Voltage optimisation: how does it work & is it worth it?

A row of electricity pylons in front of a sunset fading from purple on the left to orange on the right


Concerned about creeping energy bill prices? You’re not alone. With the economy in turmoil and energy prices continuing to fluctuate, businesses across the UK are looking to reduce how much they’re spending on energy.

From turning the lights off after-hours to installing smart meters, there are plenty of ways to cut costs and save energy in the workplace – but have you considered voltage optimisation technology?

This guide looks at what voltage optimisation is, how it works and whether a voltage optimiser is right for your organisation. Let’s go!

What is voltage optimisation?

Voltage optimisation is simpler than it sounds: it just means balancing your power supply. A voltage optimiser converts the energy supply coming into your premises so it’s the right voltage for your electrical equipment.

Why is voltage optimisation necessary?

To better understand the magic of voltage optimisation, let’s dive into why it’s needed in the first place.

Power is supplied from the National Grid at around 242 volts in the UK, but most electrical equipment only needs 220v to run efficiently. We don’t tend to notice this issue at home – electronic gadgets like our phones and toothbrushes already have transformers built into the power cables to convert the power supply.

But if you’re running a business, the difference between the power you’re supplied and the power you’re using is a much bigger issue – one that’s costing you money and time.

An electricity meter in the foreground, with a blurred background and a light burst in the top left corner behind the meter

How does voltage optimisation work?

Voltage optimisers are installed where your electricity supply comes in, usually between your transformer and main low voltage distribution board.

While the voltage your premises receives is higher than necessary, it can also vary dramatically during the day due to fluctuations in supply and demand. This can result in power surges or dips, which are sudden increases or decreases in power.

This means that the 242v of power your premises is supplied with could actually range anywhere from 210-250v. Fluctuations in your power supply can cause damage to your equipment, disrupt your operations and even trip sensitive equipment.

Voltage optimisers work like a control valve: when any electricity passes through the voltage optimiser, it’s cleaned, balanced and regulated to the optimum levels for your appliances and equipment.

A pair of hands holding a screwdriver working on a switchboard

What happens without a voltage optimiser?

Without a voltage optimiser, you’re not only paying for power you aren’t using, but your appliances have too much electricity running through them.

If you supply an electrical device with more power than it needs, it doesn’t work any better: it simply wastes the extra energy as heat.

Over-voltage can cause all sorts of problems, from reducing your equipment’s lifespan to burning out parts of your appliance and racking up maintenance costs.

By reducing the voltage with a voltage optimiser (typically anywhere between 10-19%), you reduce the wasted energy and make your equipment run more efficiently.

Plus, the energy you save is energy you’re not drawing from the power supply, so you’re not only saving money but you’re reducing your carbon emissions and doing your bit for the planet, too.

Before installing a voltage optimiser

After installing a voltage optimiser

The process of getting electricity to your premises with a voltage optimiser

Voltage optimisation: the pros and cons

Now you understand what voltage optimisation is and how it works, let’s weigh up the pros and cons:

Benefits of voltage optimisation

  • Lower energy bills
    By balancing your power supply, you’ll use up to 19% less energy and in turn, pay less. It’s that simple!

  • Lower carbon emissions
    Less energy used = less carbon emitted, making voltage optimisation a smart choice for your pocket and the planet.
  • Your equipment works better & lasts longer
    Your equipment will run more efficiently and last longer, getting the most out of your investment.
  • Lower maintenance costs
    Your equipment is less likely to prematurely burn out or suffer damage due to over-voltage, saving you the time and money you would’ve spent on maintenance.

Downsides of voltage optimisation

  • There’s an initial set-up cost
    The savings you make from reducing your consumption are immediate, however there is the cost of installation to consider. Voltage optimisers can start from as little as £350, so calculate how much you could save to work out the return on investment (or let us work it out for you) and you might surprise yourself! We’ve seen clients get a return on their investment within months, meaning the savings from that point on are all profit.
  • You may face disruption while it’s being installed
    Of course, any work being carried out runs the risk of disruption. That said, if you work with trusted professionals, you can ensure the installation runs smoothly and any disruption to your power supply is kept to a minimum.
  • Voltage optimisation isn’t for everyone
    While it’s beneficial for the vast majority, some businesses just don’t need it. If your business mostly runs equipment off a transformer, like laptops and kettles, then you might not see enough savings to justify the investment. Even so, it’s still worth consulting professionals to see if it’s a viable option – the savings could be substantial.
A man's hand pointing at an open laptop on a desk

Is voltage optimisation worth it for your organisation?

With all that in mind, the real question is will a voltage optimiser be a good fit for your business? Here are a few things to consider:

1. Your business plans

Consider your organisation’s short, medium and long-term business plans to determine whether a voltage optimiser is going to be worth it. Look at the savings you could make and work out how long it’ll take to see a return on your investment.

2. Your premises

Do you rent your premises or do you own it? If you rent, or you’re planning to expand, will your business stay at this premises long enough to see a return on investment?

3. Your current energy consumption

Look at the kind of equipment used on your premises. Work out how much of the electrical equipment you use is voltage-dependent, and how much of your overall energy consumption comes from this equipment.

Examples of voltage-dependent equipment include lights, electric kettles, and anything with an operating motor, like a fridge. Voltage-independent equipment includes things like electric heating and computers.

If the vast majority of your usage comes from voltage-dependent equipment, installing a voltage optimiser would likely result in substantial savings for your business.

4. The voltage optimiser supplier

Once you know that enough of your consumption comes from voltage-dependent equipment to make it worth the investment, you then need to consider who to trust with the installation.

There will be plenty of great options out there, however it’s important to choose a trusted company who have experience installing voltage optimisers. At U4L, we’ve helped hundreds of businesses across the UK with everything from voltage optimisation installations to reducing their energy bills, so you’d be in safe hands with us.

As you now know, voltage optimisers are a clever piece of energy efficiency technology that can make a huge difference to your organisation – not only in terms of money saved, but your impact on the planet.

Want to see if your organisation could benefit from a voltage optimiser? Get in touch for a free assessment today. With over 60 years of experience, we’re your experts in all things energy so you can trust we’ll find the best solution for you.