Convert Reactive Energy from Kilovolt-Ampere Reactive Hour (kVARh) to other units
Multiple conversions

What Is a Kilovolt-Ampere Reactive Hour (kVARh)?

A Kilovolt-Ampere Reactive Hour (kVARh) is the standard unit used to measure reactive energy.

It is a larger multiple of the base unit, the Volt-Ampere Reactive Hour (VARh).

• 1 kVARh = 1,000 VARh

How kVARh Affects Energy Efficiency

Reactive energy is often called "wasted" or "non-working" power.

Here's a simple comparison:

• Active Energy (kWh): This is the "useful" power that does real work, like lighting a room or running a machine.
• Reactive Energy (kVARh): This is the power required to create and sustain the magnetic fields in heavy equipment like motors, transformers, and pumps.

A high kVARh reading indicates a low power factor, which means your electrical system is inefficient.

It's drawing more current from the grid than it actually needs to perform the useful work.

High kVARh Can Increase Your Electricity Bill

Many utility providers, especially for commercial and industrial customers, issue penalties for high reactive energy consumption.

High kVARh levels force the utility to generate and transmit more current to meet your demand, which puts extra strain on their transformers and distribution lines.

These costs are then passed on to you, often appearing as a "power factor penalty" or "reactive power charge" on your monthly electricity bill.

How to Reduce kVARh and Lower Your Bill

You can lower your kVARh consumption through a process called power factor correction.

The most common method is installing capacitor banks, which act as local reactive power generators. By supplying this energy on-site, they reduce the amount of reactive power you need to pull from the grid.

This process directly:

• Lowers your recorded kVARh
• Improves overall system efficiency
• Frees up electrical capacity in your system
• Eliminates costly power factor penalties