Conventional power generation is inefficient. More than two-thirds of the energy produced is typically lost into the air. And energy is a major cost for every manufacturer. Industrial-scale systems like combined heat and power (CHP) or waste heat to power (WHP) can double the efficiency of traditional power generation.
While CHP and WHP are steady and reliable sources of energy, they may not cover all of a factory’s needs. For example, companies may still need to be connected to the standard energy grid for backup or supplemental power, or to cover periodic shut-downs for planned maintenance or repairs. When manufacturers depend on power from the grid, they pay what are called “standby rates” – often hefty charges, which vary widely from one utility to another.
Read our fact sheet on standby rates here.
