Looking to reduce energy costs & improve efficiency?
Energy waste is expensive, and every facility manager knows it. But few people know this…
Your switchgear may be costing you thousands in wasted energy each year.
Transmission and distribution losses in the United States average around 5% of all electricity generated. This is a huge amount of money to pour away with no thought at all.
The good news? The right medium voltage switchgear set-up can significantly reduce these losses. Modern switchgear technology has advanced by leaps and bounds, reducing energy waste & improving performance.
What you’ll learn:
- Energy Loss In Power Systems
- The Importance Of Medium Voltage For Efficiency
- Smart Features That Improve Efficiency
- Maintenance Tips To Improve Performance
Energy Loss In Power Systems
Energy doesn’t disappear at the power plant.
It leaks away at every step of the distribution process from generation to the equipment in your facility. In fact, the losses can be rather shocking.
Between 1-2% of energy is lost during the step-up transformer process. Another 2-4% disappears during transmission. By the time power reaches your facility, you’ve lost a significant portion of the energy you paid for already.
Here’s the kicker…
The majority of this waste is because of inefficient or poorly designed switchgear systems. Your distribution system is working against you or for you. There’s no in-between.
The Importance Of Medium Voltage For Efficiency
Medium voltage switchgear systems are where the rubber meets the road.
Medium voltage systems (1kV-36kV) are the sweet spot in power distribution. Industrial facilities, commercial buildings, and large-scale operations all benefit from using these systems.
So what’s so great about medium voltage equipment for energy efficiency?
Medium voltages reduce current flow. Low current = less resistive loss in your conductors. Less resistive loss = lower energy costs, less infrastructure strain, and more reliable systems.
Here’s a simple example. Using a low voltage distribution system for high-power applications is like trying to fill a swimming pool using a garden hose. It’ll eventually work, but you’ll waste an enormous amount of time and energy in the process.
The Technology That’s Changing The Game
Old-school medium voltage switchgear equipment is dead.
We’re talking modern systems that feature real-time monitoring, predictive maintenance, and advanced arc-flash protection. They don’t just sound cool, these smart systems save you money.
Recent industry case studies show impressive results from medium voltage switchgear retrofits. One major project increased reliability by 40% and reduced energy consumption by 15%. These aren’t numbers to sneeze at for a facility’s annual energy budget.
Smart Monitoring Systems
Ok, this is something that differentiates modern switchgear systems from their ancient grandpa equivalents…
Advanced monitoring systems give you real-time information on everything going on in your electrical distribution. You’ll see problem areas before they become full-blown failures.
Temperature anomalies, unusual load patterns, and voltage fluctuations, all visible at a glance.
This isn’t just convenient, it’s a game-changer for efficiency. You identify areas of energy waste instantly, optimize your load distribution and schedule maintenance before a failure occurs.
Gas-Insulated vs Air-Insulated Options
Gas-insulated vs air-insulated switchgear system debates are more important than most people realize.
Gas-insulated switchgear (GIS) offers compact designs that are perfect for facilities with limited space. Air-insulated systems (AIS) are simpler and typically more cost-effective for outdoor applications.
The question is, which one is more energy-efficient? The answer is: It depends entirely on your specific application and environment.
Gas-Insulated vs Air-Insulated Systems
Both can be highly efficient when correctly specified and maintained.
Integration With Renewable Energy
Renewable energy integration is a massive growth driver for medium voltage switchgear equipment.
96% of all new electric-generating capacity in the United States was zero-carbon in 2024. This is a massive shift in the grid, and it requires advanced switchgear systems to handle distributed generation and variable loads.
Solar power, wind farms, and energy storage systems all need reliable medium voltage switchgear to tie into the grid efficiently. Without the right equipment, you’re leaving energy savings on the table.
The market is catching on. MV substations are projected to grow at over 5% CAGR through 2030, primarily because of renewable energy expansion.
Maintenance Strategies That Matter
This is where most facilities fall flat.
Install a great piece of equipment and then forget about it. It’s like buying a sports car and never changing the oil. Your medium voltage switchgear needs attention just like anything else.
Predictive Maintenance Programs Win
Smart switchgear systems predict failures before they happen. Scheduled maintenance during planned downtime, not costly emergency repairs that run 3x as much.
Regular thermal imaging, partial discharge testing, and contact resistance measurements keep your system operating at maximum efficiency.
Keep It Clean
Dust and contamination are bigger enemies than you might think.
Build-up on insulators increases flashover and tracking risk. Dirty contacts create resistance that generates heat and waste energy. A simple cleaning schedule can save you thousands annually in energy costs.
Load Balancing For Maximum Efficiency
Balance your loads across all phases.
Proper load balancing prevents overheating, reduces losses, and extends equipment life. Modern switchgear helps with this by using automated controls and monitoring.
Unbalanced loads create higher neutral currents, increased transformer losses, premature equipment failure, and wasted energy as heat. Balance your loads, and you’ll see efficiency improvements immediately.
Future-Proofing Your Investment
The electrical infrastructure game is changing rapidly.
The state of the grid that works for you today might not be good enough in 5 years when you start adding more EV charging stations or expanding your data center capacity, or hook up additional renewable energy sources.
Medium voltage switchgear systems with expansion capabilities aren’t an option anymore, they’re a requirement.
Look for switchgear with modular designs so you can add capacity later instead of replacing everything. Search for digital communication capabilities that ensure you’re compatible with future smart grid technologies.
The facilities that plan for future growth and expansion right now will see lower energy bills (reduced transmission losses), better reliability (far fewer unexpected outages), and longer equipment life (proactive maintenance & care). Not to mention easier integration of new renewable energy sources.
Bringing It All Together
Energy efficiency in medium voltage switchgear comes down to two simple things. Making smart choices and consistent maintenance.
Start with equipment specified correctly for your application. Add modern monitoring systems for visibility into system performance. Maintain everything according to manufacturer specifications. Plan for future growth.
Facilities that do this see lower energy costs, fewer unexpected outages, longer equipment life, and easier integration of new renewable energy sources.
Your switchgear is working right now, distributing power to every corner of your facility. The question is: Is it working efficiently, or is it quietly wasting thousands of dollars in energy?