Energy Monitoring for Potential Cost Saving in Electricity Bills in a Microbrewery in South Africa

The aim of this study is to analyse the present pattern of energy consumption and identify the possible areas where the consumer could reduce energy usage in order to reduce the monthly electricity bills at a selected brewery in Bloemfontein. To achieve this, a real-time monitoring device Power Quality analyser “PEL 103” was installed in the distribution box of a microbrewery in Bloemfontein. The benefits may include the hourly/per second load data analysis that can provide the detailed characteristics of the load profile, outline the energy consumption patterns in order to identify areas where the consumer could reduce the electricity bill. The analysis of the results shows that a substantial amount of electrical energy is consumed during peak billing periods of the day under the time-of-use (ToU) tariff. Based on these results, energy efficiency initiatives may be implemented through demand-side management from peak demand to off-peak or standard time, while maintaining the quality of the beer.