Some companies offer devices that purportedly correct “dirty power” issues and reduce power costs, but Coosa Valley Electric Cooperative (CVEC) encourages members to research them before purchasing.
“While some of the science these companies use in their marketing is true, the effect of dirty power on your power bills and your household electronics could be exaggerated,” says CVEC General Manager Jon Cullimore. “We operate our system as optimally as possible to ensure your electricity is delivered with the utmost quality and reliability.
“Consumers should educate themselves about what these devices do and the claims the vendors who sell them are making.”
What is Dirty Power?
“Dirty” power refers to an abnormality that appears when electricity is delivered to a home and a home’s electronic devices. Dirtyelectricity.org describes it as “unusable electromagnetic energy.”
These irregularities, often various frequencies, can impact the power factor and the “reactive” aspect of power. Dirty power filters promise to control or correct these abnormalities, making the energy delivered to your home more efficient and reducing your power bills.
Does Correcting Abnormalities Really Matter to Residential Power Users?
In short, no.
Controlling these irregularities is beneficial for large consumers/purchasers of energy, like industries or even electric cooperatives, according to an article published by Central Alabama Electric Cooperative earlier this year. Households, though, are billed on real power usage, meaning reactive power is not gauged.
Additionally, CVEC’s electric system contains voltage regulators at each substation and throughout the system. These regulators ensure other frequencies do not influence the 60-Hz frequency that is used to deliver 120-volt alternating current to homes in the United States.
Why Else Should I Be Cautious?
In addition to the lack of influence dirty power has on your bills, installing a dirty power filter presents other challenges.
First, the devices themselves are plugged into your home, meaning they are using electricity themselves. This consumption, however small, will register on your bill.
Second, Central Alabama EC reports that some companies will tell consumers it takes a couple of months to notice a reduction in the power bill. Often the deadline to return the devices for refunds elapses during the requested grace period.
What Should I Do When Contacted By 1 of These Companies?
We recommend ignoring the offer, but if some of the purported benefits interest you:
- Do some research into the specific company and product offered. Google and Amazon reviews could indicate the legitimacy of the offer.
- Evaluate your need for a dirty power filter.
- Call us at (800) 273-7210 if you have any questions or suspect the offer is a scam.