If your business relies on voltage-dependent electrical equipment – such as compressors, refrigeration units, or lighting – voltage optimisation may help reduce the amount of electricity you take from the National Grid, lowering your energy bills and carbon emissions.
What is voltage?
Voltage is a measure of electrical pressure that pushes electric current through a circuit. It’s similar to water pressure in a pipe: the higher the pressure, the more water flows. In electrical systems, higher voltage means more energy is available to power devices. However, too much voltage can lead to wasted energy, overheating, and reduced equipment lifespan.
Why is voltage supplied at higher levels in the UK?
In the UK, electricity is typically supplied at around 230 volts, but in practice, it can often be higher – sometimes up to 250 volts. This is because the National Grid must ensure that all users, regardless of location or demand, receive a reliable supply. To account for voltage drops over long distances and varying loads, the grid supplies electricity at a slightly higher level than most equipment actually needs. While this ensures reliability, it can also lead to inefficiencies for businesses.
What is voltage optimisation and how can it help my business?
Put simply, voltage optimisation reduces the voltage applied to electrical equipment. Since the electricity from the National Grid often exceeds what’s needed, voltage optimisation regulates the incoming power supply, lowering it to a more suitable level. This results in:
- Reduced electricity consumption.
- Lower energy bills.
- Decreased carbon emissions.
Using electricity at the correct voltage also helps to:
- Extend the lifespan of appliances and equipment
Over-voltage can cause components to overheat or wear out prematurely. Voltage optimisation ensures devices operate within their designed voltage range, reducing stress and helping them last longer. - Reduce maintenance requirements
Excess voltage can lead to frequent faults and breakdowns. By stabilising the supply, equipment runs more reliably, which means fewer repairs and less downtime.
Is voltage optimisation right for my business?
Voltage optimisation is most suitable for businesses that rely on electricity from the National Grid. However, it’s not a one-size-fits-all solution.
It tends to work well in sectors where equipment runs continuously or is sensitive to voltage levels, such as:
- Farms – where motors, milking machines, and refrigeration units are used regularly.
- Hospitality – including hotels, restaurants, and catering facilities with commercial kitchens and laundry equipment.
- Manufacturing – where machinery and production lines operate for long hours and benefit from stable voltage.
On the other hand, voltage optimisation may be less effective for:
- IT-focused businesses – such as data centres or offices with modern computing equipment, which often have built – in voltage regulation.
- Retail outlets – especially those with low energy demand or LED lighting and energy-efficient appliances already in place.
- Businesses with on-site generation or battery storage – where voltage levels are already managed internally.
A site survey is a crucial first step in determining whether voltage optimisation is right for your business. It typically includes:
- Measuring the actual voltage levels received from the National Grid across different parts of your premises.
- Assessing the types of electrical loads and identifying equipment that may benefit from voltage reduction.
- Evaluating older or sensitive equipment to ensure it can operate effectively at optimised voltage levels.
- Identifying any overvoltage issues and estimating potential energy savings.
- Recommending the most suitable voltage optimisation technology and installation approach.
How much does it cost to install voltage optimisation?
Costs vary depending on the size of your business and your electricity demand. Typical installations range from £2,000 to £5,000. Voltage optimisation is eligible for funding via the SME Loan Scheme, which includes a cashback grant of up to £20,000.
We recommend obtaining more than one site survey and quote to ensure competitive pricing.
Finding a qualified voltage optimisation installer in Scotland
To ensure safe and effective installation, it’s important to work with a qualified and accredited installer. In Scotland, you can search for local contractors through the following trade associations:
- SELECT – The Electrical Contractors’ Association of Scotland: www.select.org.uk
- NICEIC – National Inspection Council for Electrical Installation Contracting: www.niceic.com
- NAPIT – National Association of Professional Inspectors and Testers: www.napit.org.uk
These organisations maintain directories of certified professionals and offer consumer protection schemes to ensure quality and compliance.
Frequently asked questions about voltage optimisation
- How long will installation take? Installation is usually quick, with equipment installed beside your fuse box. The electricity supply will need to be turned off briefly, but this can be scheduled at a convenient time.
- How do I know how effective it will be? Get at least two quotes that include estimated financial savings and payback periods. You can also get support from our team who can provide impartial advice about the benefits of voltage optimisation in your business.
- Will the new equipment take up a lot of space? No. The equipment is compact and installed next to your existing fuse box. Your installer will confirm space requirements during the site survey.
- Do I need a voltage optimisation device for each appliance? No. A single voltage optimisation device can serve all equipment connected to the same supply. Your installer will recommend the most effective setup.
- Do I need to contact my energy supplier before installing? Not usually, but your installer will advise if any permissions or notifications are needed.
- Is voltage optimisation legal and safe? Yes. Voltage optimisation equipment is fully compliant with UK regulations and safe when installed by a qualified professional.
- Will my equipment run differently? Most equipment will operate normally. In rare cases, lights may be slightly dimmer or fans slower, but this is usually negligible and does not affect performance.
- Does installing a voltage optimisation device mean I don’t need to upgrade to energy-efficient equipment? No. Voltage optimisation complements energy-efficiency upgrades but doesn’t replace them.
- How much will I save after installing a voltage optimisation device? According to BEAMA (British Electrotechnical and Allied Manufacturers’ Association), reducing supply voltages to the lower end of the statutory range can lead to average energy savings of around 13%.