Choosing the right electrical power for your home or business is an important step that can affect your comfort and budget. Between connection power, which concerns the grid connection, and subscribed power, which defines your tariff, it’s easy to get confused. This guide aims to clarify these concepts and help you correctly size your installation to avoid inconvenience and unnecessary extra costs. Understanding the difference between connection power and subscribed power is key to an electrical installation adapted to your real needs.
Key Points to Remember
- Subscribed power determines the amount of your electricity tariff and the amount of energy you can use simultaneously. A choice that is too low leads to power cuts, while a choice that is too high results in unnecessary extra costs.
- Connection power is different from subscribed power; it concerns the maximum injection capacity into the grid, particularly for solar installations.
- To determine your real needs, analyse your consumption habits and add up the power of the appliances you use at the same time.
- Businesses must pay particular attention to the power factor (kVA) to avoid penalties on their electricity bill.
- Changing your subscribed power is possible with your supplier, but it may incur fees. It is therefore preferable to anticipate your future needs well in advance.
Understanding the Fundamentals of Electrical Power
To fully grasp the issues of your electrical installation, it is necessary to understand some basics regarding power. It’s not just a figure on your bill; it’s what determines if your appliances work correctly and if your system is well suited to your needs. We often talk about power without really knowing what it concretely implies. So, let’s clarify the different concepts to get a clearer picture.
In the world of electricity, we mainly distinguish two types of power: active power and apparent power. Active power, measured in kilowatts (kW), represents the power actually used by your appliances to operate and produce useful work, such as lighting a bulb or running a motor. This is the energy that is effectively converted into heat, light, or movement.
Apparent power, on the other hand, is expressed in kilovolt-amperes (kVA). It encompasses both active power and reactive power. Reactive power, measured in kilovolt-ampere reactive (kVAR), is necessary for the operation of certain equipment, particularly those with coils or capacitors, such as electric motors or transformers. It does not directly produce useful work, but it is essential for these appliances to function.
Understanding the units: kW, kVA and kVar
It is important to distinguish these units clearly. The kilowatt (kW) measures active power, the one that does the work. The kilovolt-ampere (kVA) measures apparent power, which is the vector sum of active power and reactive power. The kilovolt-ampere reactive (kVar) specifically measures reactive power.
For domestic customers, the subscribed power on the electricity contract is generally expressed in kVA. This value limits the amount of electricity that your installation can supply simultaneously. For businesses, the distinction between kW and kVA becomes more important, as a low power factor (the ratio between kW and kVA) can lead to additional costs.
The role of reactive power in installations
Reactive power plays a specific role in the operation of certain electrical equipment. It is necessary to create magnetic fields in motors or transformers, for example. Although it does not produce directly usable work, its absence would prevent these appliances from functioning correctly. However, an excessive amount of reactive power can lead to losses in the electricity grid and penalties for businesses if their power factor is too low. It is therefore necessary to find the right balance to optimise the performance of the installation and control costs. Analysing your real needs will help you better size your electrical power.
Here is a summary table to better visualise the differences:
| Type of power | Unit | What it represents |
|---|---|---|
| Active power | kW | Useful work, energy consumed |
| Reactive power | kVAR | Necessary for the operation of certain equipment |
| Apparent power | kVA | Combination of active and reactive power |
It is essential to understand these concepts to choose the appropriate power for your home or business, in order to avoid inconveniences such as power cuts or unnecessary extra costs.
Distinction between Connection Power and Subscribed Power
It is common to confuse several terms related to electrical power, such as subscribed power and connection power. However, these concepts refer to different realities, and a good understanding of them is essential to avoid financial or technical inconveniences.
What is connection power?
Connection power represents the maximum power that an electricity producer undertakes not to exceed when feeding energy into the public grid. This value is defined when contracting with the grid operator. For low-voltage installations, it is expressed in kilovolt-amperes (kVA). It is a contractual limit that can influence connection costs and potential penalties in case of non-compliance. In the context of a photovoltaic installation, for example, connection power is often linked to the power of the inverters, and it is generally not wise to set it beyond that. It may even be advantageous to request a connection power slightly lower than the maximum power of the inverters to optimise certain aspects, as explained in the tariff conditions for solar installations [bad3].
Definition of subscribed power by the consumer
Subscribed power, on the other hand, corresponds to the maximum power you choose to contract with your electricity supplier. It is indicated in kVA on your contract and your bill. It is this that determines the amount of your monthly standing charge. If the instantaneous demand of your appliances exceeds this power, your installation may trip (for domestic customers) or incur penalties (for businesses). It is therefore important to adjust it well to your real needs to avoid both unnecessary extra costs related to excessively high power, and service interruptions due to insufficient power. Choosing this power is a balance to be found to optimise your energy bill.
The implications of a poor understanding of these terms
A lack of knowledge of the difference between these two types of power can have direct consequences on your daily life and your budget. For a domestic customer, subscribing to insufficient power means risking frequent power cuts as soon as several appliances operate simultaneously. Conversely, excessively high power leads to a more expensive standing charge, with no real benefit. For businesses, the stakes are even higher: exceeding the subscribed power can result in significant financial penalties, or even limit production capacity if critical machines are cut off. A poor estimation can also lead to higher connection fees than necessary, especially for large installations where grid extension work may be required [370c]. It is therefore crucial to thoroughly analyse your needs before committing.
- Subscribed power: The tariff level chosen with the supplier, expressed in kVA.
- Connection power: The maximum power allowed for injection into the grid, also in kVA (at low voltage).
- Consequences of a poor choice: Power cuts for domestic customers, penalties for businesses, extra costs for tariffs or connection.
It is essential not to confuse these two terms, as they have direct implications for the cost of your electricity contract and the reliability of your supply. A precise analysis of your needs is the first step towards correct sizing.
Identifying Your Real Electrical Power Needs
To correctly size your electrical installation, it is essential to understand precisely the amount of electricity you need daily. This avoids both unplanned power cuts due to insufficient power and the unnecessary costs of an overly high tariff.
Analysing Your Current Consumption Habits
The first step is to observe how you use electricity in your home. Think about the times of day when you use the most appliances simultaneously. For example, in the morning, you might use the toaster, coffee maker, and radio, while in the evening, it might be the television, computer, and lighting.
It is useful to note the appliances you use simultaneously during peak consumption periods. This will give you an idea of the maximum load your installation must support.
Calculating the Maximum Power Used Simultaneously
To estimate the maximum power you need, add up the power of all appliances you could reasonably operate at the same time. For example, if you use a refrigerator (200 W), a dishwasher (700 W), and an oven (2000 W) at the same time, the total power demanded is 2900 W, or 2.9 kVA.
You must also consider appliances that run continuously, such as the refrigerator or internet router. Don’t forget electric heating appliances, which can represent a significant portion of consumption during cold periods.
Here is a simplified example for a home:
| Appliance | Power (W) | Simultaneous use | Cumulative Power (W) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Refrigerator | 200 | Yes | 200 |
| Water heater | 2000 | Yes | 2200 |
| Dishwasher | 700 | Yes | 2900 |
| Television | 100 | Yes | 3000 |
| Heating (x2) | 2000 | Yes | 7000 |
In this example, the maximum power used simultaneously would be 7000 W, or 7 kVA. It is often advisable to provide an additional margin, for example by moving to the next higher tariff (9 kVA in this case) for more comfort and to anticipate potential new equipment.
Considering Specific Equipment and Their Consumption
Certain appliances have higher energy needs or specific characteristics. Electric heating appliances, induction hobs, ovens, tumble dryers, or electric vehicles can require higher power.
For example, an electric vehicle charging can demand significant power, often around 7 kW (or approximately 7 kVA). If you plan to install a charging point, you will need to take this into account when calculating your power needs.
It is important not to rely solely on the nominal power of appliances. Some equipment, such as motors, can have a peak consumption at startup that is higher than their usual operating power. Remember these peaks when making your estimate.
To calculate the consumption of an appliance over a given period, you can use the formula: (Appliance Power in Watts) x (Number of hours of use) / 1000. This will give you the consumption in kWh. To know the necessary power, you must add up the powers of the appliances used at the same time. You can consult the tailored solar offers to optimise your consumption.
Correctly Sizing Your Subscribed Power
Choosing the right subscribed power is a bit like choosing the right shoe size: too small, it pinches and hurts; too big, it’s loose and impractical. For your electrical installation, it’s the same. Insufficient subscribed power, and it’s guaranteed tripping as soon as you turn on the oven at the same time as the hairdryer. Your meter will cut out, and you’ll be in the dark. It’s a frustrating situation, especially if it happens in the middle of winter.
Conversely, opting for excessively high power means paying a more expensive standing charge each month for a capacity you never use. It’s a bit like buying a lorry to go get bread from the local bakery. Money is wasted unnecessarily, and it brings no concrete benefit. You need to find the right balance so that your installation is both functional and economical. For businesses, the consequences of incorrect sizing can be even more significant, with financial penalties in case of exceeding or a limitation of activity if machines cannot operate at their full potential. It is therefore important to thoroughly analyse your real needs before setting your contract. To help you get a clearer picture, it is useful to consult electrical power comparisons, such as those available for domestic properties.
The Consequences of Insufficient Subscribed Power
When the power you have subscribed to is not enough to cover the demand of all the electrical appliances you use simultaneously, your installation’s circuit breaker will trip. This is a safety mechanism designed to protect your electrical network against overloads. For a domestic customer, this results in a general power cut. You then have to reset the circuit breaker, but the problem will recur as long as the power demand exceeds your tariff threshold. This can become very inconvenient in daily life, especially if you need several appliances operating at the same time, such as when preparing a meal or during a teleworking session.
The Disadvantages of Excessive Subscribed Power
Subscribing to electrical power higher than your actual needs leads to unnecessary additional costs. The amount of your monthly standing charge is directly linked to the power you have chosen. The higher this power, the more expensive your standing charge will be, regardless of your actual consumption. You are therefore paying for an electricity supply capacity that you do not use. It is therefore preferable to make a precise estimation of your needs to avoid paying for an oversized tariff. For businesses, the choice of subscribed power is also a key element for optimising costs, and specific advice exists for businesses.
Finding the Optimal Balance for Your Tariff
The goal is to find the subscribed power that best suits your usage, without being too low or too high. To do this, you must start by evaluating the maximum consumption of your electrical appliances. List all the appliances you use regularly and note their respective power (in Watts or Kilowatts). Then, estimate the probability that these appliances will operate at the same time. For example, if you often use the oven, hobs, and dishwasher simultaneously, their cumulative power will need to be taken into account. It is also relevant to consider appliances that have a high demand at startup, such as certain motors or heating appliances.
Here is a method to help you:
- List your electrical appliances: Make an inventory of all the appliances you use regularly.
- Note their power: Look for the power indicated on each appliance (often in Watts).
- Estimate simultaneous use: Identify scenarios where several appliances operate at the same time.
- Calculate the total power: Add up the power of the appliances likely to operate simultaneously.
It is often advisable to provide a safety margin to anticipate consumption peaks or the future addition of equipment.
By taking these elements into account, you will be able to determine a more accurate subscribed power. For example, for a standard home with appliances such as a refrigerator, washing machine, oven, electric hobs, and some electronic devices, a power of 6 kVA is often sufficient. However, if you have greater needs, such as a heat pump, an electric vehicle charging point, or numerous appliances operating at the same time, a power of 9 kVA or more might be necessary. It is important to understand the difference between apparent power (in kVA) and active power (in kW) to make the right choice.
The Role of Connection Power in Photovoltaic Installations
When talking about installing solar panels, several terms often come up, and it’s easy to get confused. Connection power, for example, is a bit like the key that allows your installation to connect to the public electricity grid. It defines the maximum amount of electricity you can inject or draw at any given moment. For a photovoltaic installation, this power is directly linked to the capacity of your inverters, which convert the direct current from your panels into alternating current usable by our homes and the grid.
Link between Connection Power and Inverter Power
It is important to understand that your solar installation will never be able to produce more than its inverters can handle. This is why the connection power you request should not exceed the total power of your inverters. Requesting more would be useless, as the surplus could not be injected. In fact, it is sometimes even wise to request a connection power slightly lower than that of the inverters. This can be done by curtailing the inverter, a technique that consists of voluntarily limiting its production for economic or technical reasons. For example, inverter manufacturers often suggest an inverter power that represents approximately 90 to 95% of the peak power of the panels. This is an optimisation because actual sunshine rarely reaches the theoretical peak power of the panels. It is therefore necessary to weigh potential production losses against gains on connection costs or the grid’s reception capacity.
Optimising Connection Power for Solar Installations
Choosing the right connection power is a key step to optimising your solar installation. Too low power could limit your ability to inject the electricity produced, while too high power could lead to higher connection costs without real benefit if it exceeds the capacity of your equipment. It is therefore important to thoroughly analyse your needs and the configuration of your system. For example, for a house, connection power is generally expressed in kVA. If you are considering a solar panel installation, it is advisable to consult the grid connection procedures to fully understand the requirements.
The Concept of Curtailing Photovoltaic Production
Curtailment, or clipping, of photovoltaic production is a practice that consists of limiting the maximum power your installation can inject into the grid. This is generally done at the inverter level. The physical phenomenon behind curtailment is that the inverter, which uses a system called MPPT (Maximum Power Point Tracker) to optimise panel production, modifies operating conditions (particularly voltage) to reduce this production. Even if this may seem counter-intuitive, this voluntary limitation can be advantageous. It allows for requesting lower connection power, which can reduce initial costs and simplify certain administrative procedures. However, it is necessary to carefully calculate the expected production losses to ensure that the financial gain is real. For example, a 9 kWp system may require between 22 and 24 panels, covering approximately 40 to 45 m², and the sizing of the inverter and therefore the connection power must be done carefully to optimise the overall efficiency of the installation, taking into account the available surface area and panel orientation, such as those from QCells.
It is essential to fully understand the relationship between the peak power of your panels, the power of your inverters, and the connection power you will declare. A poor estimation can have financial and technical consequences for your solar installation.
Understanding the Specifics of Commercial Installations
For businesses, managing electrical power takes on a more complex dimension and has direct financial implications. Unlike domestic customers, where exceeding usually results in a simple cut-off, businesses are exposed to substantial penalties if they exceed their subscribed power. It is therefore crucial to correctly size your tariff to avoid these unnecessary extra costs.
Penalties for Exceeding Subscribed Power
Exceeding the power you have chosen in your contract can have serious financial consequences. Electricity suppliers apply surcharges to your bill if instantaneous consumption exceeds the defined threshold. These penalties are calculated based on the exceeded power and the duration of this excess. It is therefore essential to carefully monitor your consumption to stay within the limits of your contract.
The Importance of Apparent Power for Businesses
Apparent power, expressed in kilovolt-amperes (kVA), is a key measure for businesses. It represents the sum of active power (the one that produces useful work, measured in kW) and reactive power (necessary for the operation of certain equipment such as motors, measured in kVar). Your business tariff is generally based on this apparent power. A poor evaluation can either limit your company’s production capacity or lead to overly high tariff costs.
Impact of Power Factor on Business Bills
The power factor (cos φ) is an indicator of the efficiency of your electrical installation. It measures the ratio between active power and apparent power. A power factor close to 1 means that almost all the energy consumed is useful. If this factor is low, it indicates a significant consumption of reactive power, which can lead to penalties from the electricity supplier, even if the active power consumed remains within the contract limits. It is often necessary to install compensation equipment to improve this factor. For optimised management, it is advisable to consult information relating to grid connection.
Here is a summary table of the key points:
| Type of power | Unit | Impact if exceeded |
|---|---|---|
| Subscribed power | kVA | Penalties, extra cost on the bill |
| Apparent power | kVA | Penalties if power factor is low |
| Active power | kW | Potential equipment overload |
It is important to note that subscribed power is a contractual commitment. A good understanding of these concepts helps avoid unnecessary expenses and ensures the continuity of your business activity. The commissioning and acceptance of your professional electrical installation must be carried out in compliance with standards, by providing the necessary documents such as the self-assessment form.
A precise analysis of your needs is the first step towards correct sizing of your professional electrical installation. This will allow you to avoid unpleasant financial surprises and ensure the smooth operation of your equipment.
How to Find Your Current Subscribed Power
It is quite simple to find out what electrical power is currently registered for your property. This information is essential to ensure that your electrical installation is correctly sized for your real needs. Poorly adapted power can lead to inconveniences, such as unplanned power cuts or unnecessarily high tariff costs. Fortunately, several methods allow you to find this essential data.
Locating Subscribed Power on Your Electricity Bill
The most direct way to know your subscribed power is to consult your electricity bill. It is generally clearly indicated in the summary of your tariff, often on the first page. Look for a mention such as « Subscribed Power » or « Tariff Power », expressed in kilovolt-amperes (kVA). This is the value that determines the fixed amount of your monthly bill.
Interpreting Power Information on Your Meter
If you have a recent meter, such as a Linky meter, you can access several pieces of information directly from the device. By navigating through the different menus using the buttons, you will find your contract power. For older meters, the power is often written on a label directly on the meter or nearby, on the electrical panel.
Using Consumption Monitoring Tools
Some energy suppliers offer online platforms or mobile applications that allow you to track your electricity consumption in detail. These tools can often display your current subscribed power and help you understand how it relates to your actual usage. They can also provide personalised advice to optimise your tariff, for example by suggesting you change your power if your consumption habits have changed. It is important to fully understand your consumption to choose the right power, as explained in this guide on the sizing of your installation.
Knowing what power is subscribed is the first step to ensuring that your electricity contract matches your needs. This avoids extra costs and inconvenience related to unsuitable power.
Changing Your Subscribed Power: Procedure and Costs
Changing the power of your electricity tariff is a perfectly feasible step, but it requires following a precise procedure and anticipating certain costs. Whether you want to increase your power to meet new needs or decrease it to make savings, it is important to fully understand the steps and financial implications.
When and Why Consider a Power Change?
Several reasons may lead you to review your electricity contract. If you notice frequent power cuts to your installation, particularly when several appliances operate simultaneously, this may indicate that your subscribed power is too low. Conversely, if you have subscribed to a power much higher than your actual needs, you are paying a more expensive standing charge unnecessarily. It is therefore relevant to re-evaluate your contract during major changes in your household, such as the acquisition of new energy-intensive appliances (air conditioning, electric vehicle charging point) or a change in your lifestyle. An analysis of your past consumption can help you determine if an adjustment is necessary. It is sometimes useful to consult your electricity bill to get an idea of your current consumption.
Steps to Take with Your Supplier
The first step is to contact your electricity supplier. You can generally do this by phone, via your online customer area, or by post. You will be asked to specify the new power you wish to subscribe to. Your supplier will then examine your request and inform you of the technical and financial conditions. In some cases, an intervention on your electricity meter may be necessary, carried out by a technician from the distribution network operator. It is important to note that the network operator is responsible for connections and technical modifications, independently of your energy supplier.
Anticipating Potential Modification Fees
Changing your subscribed power is not always free. Fees may be applied by the network operator for the technical intervention, if it is required. The amount of these fees varies depending on the nature of the modification (increase or decrease in power, switch from single-phase to three-phase, etc.) and the current tariffs. It is advisable to request a precise quote from your supplier before confirming the step. These costs are generally a fixed sum and do not affect the amount of your monthly bill, which will be adjusted according to the new subscribed power.
It is essential to correctly size your subscribed power to avoid both technical inconveniences like power cuts and financial extra costs related to an oversized tariff. A thoughtful approach allows you to optimise your electricity contract.
Calculating the Necessary Power for Your Home
Determining the adequate electrical power for your home is a key step to avoid inconveniences such as unplanned power cuts and to control your energy budget. Poorly calibrated power can lead to higher bills than necessary or, conversely, an installation that trips regularly. It is therefore important to thoroughly evaluate your real needs.
Apparent Power Calculation Formula
Apparent power, measured in kilovolt-amperes (kVA), represents the maximum current capacity your installation can draw from the grid at any given moment. It is the product of the voltage (U) and the current (I). The basic formula is as follows:
- For a single-phase installation: Power (VA) = Voltage (V) x Current (A)
- For a three-phase installation: Power (VA) = √3 x Voltage (V) x Current (A)
In France, most homes are supplied with single-phase power at a voltage of 230 V. If your circuit breaker is set to 40 A, for example, the theoretical maximum power is 230 V x 40 A = 9,200 VA, or 9.2 kVA. It is important to note that subscribed power is generally offered in multiples of 3 kVA (3 kVA, 6 kVA, 9 kVA, 12 kVA, etc.).
Concrete Calculation Examples for Different Types of Homes
To estimate the power you need, you must add up the power of appliances you are likely to use simultaneously. Let’s take an example for a 50 m² flat:
- Refrigerator: 200 W
- Water heater: 2000 W
- Dishwasher: 700 W
- Internet router: 9 W
- Electric heating (estimate): 5000 W
- Television: 100 W
The sum of these appliances used at the same time gives 8,009 W. As 1 kVA is equivalent to 1000 W, this represents approximately 8 kVA. In this case, it would be wise to subscribe to a 9 kVA tariff to have a safety margin and avoid circuit breaker trips. The estimate of the average consumption of a French household is approximately 4,255 kWh per year, but this varies greatly depending on lifestyle and type of home [4790].
Adapting Power Based on Voltage and Current
The power of your meter is directly linked to the maximum current allowed by your main circuit breaker. If you experience frequent power cuts, this may indicate that your subscribed power is too low compared to your actual consumption. In this case, you should consider a power increase. If you have a Linky meter, this modification can often be carried out remotely within 24 hours. For older meters, this can take several days and require a technician’s intervention, with associated costs [b186]. It is always advisable to consult your electricity bill to know your current subscribed power.
It is essential not to underestimate the necessary power, as exceeding it, even minimally, will result in an automatic power cut to your electricity supply. It is better to allow a slight margin than to find yourself without electricity.
Anticipating Future Developments for Your Installation
Your current electrical installation is sized to meet your present needs. However, life evolves, and with it, your consumption habits and equipment. It is therefore wise to think ahead to avoid costly modifications or problematic under-sizing.
Planning for the Addition of New Electrical Equipment
The acquisition of new household appliances, a more efficient air conditioning system, or even energy-intensive leisure equipment can quickly increase your power demand. It is advisable to list the appliances you plan to add in the coming years and estimate their respective consumption. This will allow you to anticipate if your current subscribed power will be sufficient.
For example, the addition of an additional electric oven or a tumble dryer may require a re-evaluation. You must consider the maximum power these appliances could consume simultaneously with your usual equipment.
Adapting Power for Electric Vehicle Installation
The adoption of an electric vehicle (EV) represents a major change in a household’s energy consumption. EV charging, especially if carried out at home with a charging point, can demand significant power, often typically between 3.7 kW and 11 kW, or even more. If your current installation is 6 kVA, the addition of EV charging could make it insufficient, leading to unplanned trips of your circuit breaker.
It is therefore crucial to consult the specifications of the planned charging point and to calculate the total necessary power, including EV charging and your other simultaneous consumptions. A simulation of your future needs is highly recommended before purchasing the vehicle or charging point. You might need to increase your subscribed power, or even switch to a three-phase installation if your overall consumption justifies it. Remember to carefully evaluate your energy needs before embarking on solar panel installation.
Considering Long-Term Energy Needs
Beyond immediate additions, project yourself into the long term. The evolution towards more efficient heating systems like heat pumps, the integration of home automation solutions, or even the extension of your home are all factors that will influence your electricity needs. A prospective analysis of your needs allows you to size your installation in a more sustainable way and avoid too frequent upgrade work.
It is useful to find out about future regulations or technological developments that could impact your consumption. Good planning will help you make informed choices today for your photovoltaic installation.
Anticipating developments means ensuring that your electrical installation will remain adapted and efficient over time, thus avoiding inconvenience and unforeseen costs. Good preparation of your current and future needs is the key to a profitable and well-sized solar installation according to experts.
Here is a summary table to help you estimate the potential impact of certain equipment on your subscribed power:
| Equipment | Estimated Average Power (kW) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Electric Vehicle (charging) | 7 – 11 | Depends on the charging point and charging mode |
| Heat Pump | 2 – 5 | Varies by model and temperature |
| Air Conditioning (per unit) | 1 – 2 | Can operate simultaneously |
| Electric Oven | 2 – 3 | Often used with other appliances |
For your solar installation to remain efficient, it is essential to think about what might change later. New technologies are arriving fast! To find out how to adapt your system and stay cutting-edge, discover our advice on our website.
In Conclusion: Choosing the Right Power, a Guarantee of Peace of Mind
So, we’ve covered the topic. Understanding the difference between connection power and subscribed power is a bit like knowing which circuit breaker to put in your electrical panel. It avoids unpleasant surprises, like finding yourself in the dark because the oven and hairdryer are on at the same time. For domestic customers, it’s a matter of comfort and savings on the bill. For pros, it can directly impact business activity. So, take the time to carefully look at your needs, do your calculations, or even better, ask a professional for advice. It’s a small effort that can save you a lot of hassle and ensure your installation runs smoothly, without unnecessary costs or unplanned power cuts. It’s truly the key to having peace of mind with your electricity.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between connection power and subscribed power?
Connection power is the maximum power you request to be able to send to the electricity grid. Subscribed power is the one you choose in your contract with your energy supplier. They are often linked, but subscribed power determines your tariff.
What happens if I choose insufficient subscribed power?
If you use too many appliances at the same time and their consumption exceeds the power you have chosen, your meter will trip. It’s as if the circuit breaker says ‘stop!’ to avoid overload.
Is choosing excessively high subscribed power a good idea?
No, not really. If you choose power that is too high compared to your needs, you pay a more expensive standing charge each month, but you don’t use all that power. It’s money wasted for nothing.
How do I know which subscribed power suits me best?
You need to look at which appliances you use at the same time in your house. Add up the power of these appliances. For example, if your heating, your oven, and your dishwasher are on at the same time, your subscribed power needs to be large enough for all of that.
Where can I find my current subscribed power?
The easiest way is to look at your electricity bill. It is generally indicated in kVA (kilovolt-amperes) in the section that summarises your tariff.
Can I change my subscribed power if my needs change?
Yes, you can definitely change your subscribed power. You simply need to contact your energy supplier to make the request. Be aware that fees may sometimes be requested for this change.
What is apparent power (kVA) and why is it important?
Apparent power is essentially the total power your installation needs. For businesses, it is very important because it determines the size of their contract and can influence the cost of their bill if they don’t use this power efficiently.
How is connection power related to solar installations?
For a house with solar panels, the connection power must not exceed the power your inverters can supply. It serves to tell the grid what the maximum power your panels can send is. There’s no point in requesting more than the inverters can handle.
