What is peak shaving?
電気料金を削減するための基本戦略
電気料金の高騰や脱炭素への対応が求められる今、企業にとって「ピークカット」は避けて通れない重要な取り組みです。特に日本の高圧・特別高圧契約では、ピーク時間帯の電力使用が基本料金に大きく影響するという制度上の特徴があります（※日本の電力料金制度に基づく。）
本記事では、ピークカットの仕組みや電気料金削減の効果、導入メリットと具体的な方法について、わかりやすく解説します。
Basics of peak shaving |
Electricity pricing and why it matters
Peak shaving is closely tied to the basic structure of electricity charges. Here, we explain how it works and why it matters.
Peak shaving:
Efforts to reduce maximum electricity demand
Peak shaving is a term for efforts to keep contract electricity down by limiting electricity consumption during times of intensive electricity demand. In Japan, when electricity consumption during peak hours is recorded as the maximum demand value, contract electricity is raised and the basic charge remains high for one year. Electricity charges for corporations mainly comprise a basic charge and an electricity consumption charge; the basic charge is determined based on contract electricity.
Relationship between contract electricity and maximum demand value
Japanese electric power companies record the average (maximum demand value) of the 30 minutes of highest electricity consumption in a given month and set contract electricity to that value. The value is reflected in the basic charge in and after the following month, and is fixed for 12 months. In other words, a peak of only 30 minutes can impact costs for an entire year. Thus, reducing electricity consumption during peak hours is the key to reducing electricity charges.
Benefits of peak shaving and what happens when you introduce it
Peak shaving not only reduces electricity charges, but also leads to decarbonization and enhanced corporate value. Here is a detailed description of what happens when you introduce peak shaving.
Reduced electricity charges
Peak shaving reduces both the electricity consumption charge and the basic charge. The electricity consumption charge is based on the amount of electricity consumed, so reducing electricity consumption will also lower the charge. The basic charge depends on the maximum demand value, so reducing consumption during peak hours lowers contract electricity and the basic charge over the course of the year.
Contribution to decarbonization
Peak shaving not only reduces electricity charges, but also helps reduce CO2 emissions. Peak shaving achieved with solar power and storage batteries promotes internal consumption of renewable energy and reduces environmental impact. This brings corporations closer to achieving their decarbonization goals and enables them to use energy sustainably. *This article provides a detailed explanation of the background and concepts of solar power generation for internal consumption.
Stronger corporate valuation and BCP
Introducing peak shaving is an essential measure for corporations seeking to use 100% renewable energy or achieve carbon neutrality. Demonstrating environmentally conscious management can enhance a corporation’s reputation and boost investor confidence. Additionally, optimizing electricity consumption also underpins business continuity planning (BCP) and is an effective measure against power outages during disasters and when the power supply is tight.
- *RE100…
- This is an international initiative aiming to ensure that 100% of the energy consumed in business activities is procured from renewable energy.
Specific methods and components of peak shaving
Combining several methods is a productive way to achieve peak shaving. Here are some typical methods.
Using solar power and storage batteries
Consuming solar power generated in-house during peak hours can reduce the amount of purchased electricity.
For more reliable peak shaving, storage batteries can also be used to provide a stable supply of electricity even when there is no sunlight.
Inverter control of air conditioning and lighting
Switching to inverter control of air conditioning, lighting, and other equipment allows finer control of electricity consumption. Specifically, since air conditioning consumes a lot of electricity during peak hours, revising temperature settings and adjusting operating hours is effective.
Automatic control with efinnos, an AI-enabled energy management system (EMS)
Installing an energy management system (EMS) allows a corporation to monitor electricity consumption in real time and automatically control consumption during peak hours.
efinnos by Murata uses AI-based EMS control to accurately forecast electricity supply and demand based on historical electricity consumption data and weather information. It uses the forecasts to determine optimal control timing and ensure efficient operation of facilities including solar power systems and storage batteries. This enables corporations to achieve consistent peak shaving while eliminating the physical tasks normally needed to save electricity.
Conclusion |
Visualization: The first step for peak shaving
Peak shaving involves efforts to reduce electricity charges while also reducing CO2 emissions by limiting electricity consumption during times of intensive electricity demand.
Combining EMS with solar power and storage batteries makes it possible to efficiently control electricity consumption during peak hours.
efinnos provides all the essential functions for peak shaving. From visualizing electricity consumption to AI-based renewable energy control, efinnos provides total support for corporate decarbonization and electricity cost reduction.
Use our free simulator to see how introducing efinnos can deliver these benefits to your company.