February 8, 2021
How to Save Energy in Your Company
Want to know how to save energy in your company? Check out our article!
Energy expenses are among the main costs for companies in various sectors. Therefore, identifying ways to save electricity is essential to reduce expenses. This becomes even more important when considering that electricity tariffs in Brazil are relatively high compared to those in other countries. Saving electricity is, therefore, a key factor in improving the competitiveness of Brazilian companies.
Solutions to Save Energy in Your Company
Several actions can be taken to significantly reduce energy costs. Here are some possibilities:
Energy Efficiency in Companies
An energy efficiency project identifies opportunities to reduce energy expenses in a company's operations. The measures may include equipment replacement with more efficient alternatives, such as adopting LED lighting systems and more modern refrigeration units. Additionally, simple improvements can be implemented to reduce process waste, such as replacing seals in cold storage systems.
One option is to hire a specialized company that will analyze operational conditions and suggest energy efficiency projects based on their economic and financial feasibility analysis.
In many cases, these companies share the risks of the project with the client. In other words, their services are paid based on the energy savings achieved through the implementation of the proposed improvements.
Migration to the Free Energy Market
In the free energy market, electricity is purchased directly from the supplier, often at more competitive prices than those in the regulated market. According to ABRACEEL (Brazilian Association of Energy Traders), cost reductions can reach up to 30%.
Currently, over 80% of Brazil's industrial consumption is in the free market. In total, more than 8,500 companies are already operating in this energy contracting environment, including companies from the service and commercial sectors.
Invest in Self-Production of Electricity
Self-production is another option for reducing energy costs. In this model, the consumer generates and consumes their own electricity.
Many consumers, including residential ones, are opting for this model through solar photovoltaic systems. The panels can be installed at the consumption site, such as on the roof of a supermarket, or through solar farms.
In these cases, besides cost savings, there is the environmental sustainability factor, as the use of solar systems helps reduce greenhouse gas emissions from the national electricity sector.
How to Know If the Investment Is Worth It?
Regardless of the option, it is essential to analyze the cost-benefit ratio of the project. This means comparing the necessary investments with the expected variation in electricity tariffs/rates over time.
TR Soluções offers a market intelligence platform that allows you to project the electricity tariffs and rates of all utilities in the country for up to six years. Learn more about it at www.trsolucoes.com and keep following the TR Soluções blog for more content on the electricity sector.