Reducing energy use in retail can be achieved without changing processes: when the supply voltage is higher than what equipment actually needs, part of the energy is wasted without adding value to the load. ComEC is designed to deliver energy savings for retail sites selling products and services, with clear economic benefits and a positive impact on corporate sustainability.
Powersines ComEC by OrteaNext is a universal energy controller that monitors and optimises the voltage supplied to loads, delivering immediate savings. Depending on site conditions, it can help reduce the electricity bill by up to 12%. It is installed downstream of the main circuit breaker, requires no changes to the electrical installation, and can be easily connected to distribution boards.
ComEC is available in the 63–400 A range and integrates at the right point of the electrical system to act directly on the site loads while preserving the existing installation architecture.
Grid supply voltage typically fluctuates within a range of about ±10%. This variability depends on electricity demand, the quality of the distribution infrastructure and the site’s distance from the generation source.
Voltage variations – especially overvoltage and overload conditions – can negatively affect the correct operation and service life of electrical equipment, lighting points and electronic devices. With ComEC installed, overvoltage is dynamically reduced and the supply voltage is optimised, improving the stability of power delivered to loads.
Many electrical appliances are designed to operate at a nominal voltage, with an allowable tolerance band around it. In practice, however, the voltage supplied by the grid is often higher than the nominal voltage of the equipment, leading to inefficient load operation and unnecessary energy waste.
By reducing voltage to the minimum optimal level for the loads, ComEC delivers energy savings and supports a faster return on investment, as the intervention does not require structural changes to the electrical installation.
ComEC’s design prioritises robustness and operational continuity. Unlike systems based on solid-state components that require specific thermal management measures, ComEC is engineered to tolerate electrically disturbed environments and includes integrated protection mechanisms, such as an automatic internal bypass, a manual bypass and an output protection circuit.
ComEC is installed downstream of the main circuit breaker and connects to distribution boards, without requiring changes to the electrical installation.
It is useful when the grid voltage is frequently higher than the nominal voltage required by the loads, creating inefficiencies and waste—especially in retail sites with many electrical and electronic devices and distributed loads.
Depending on site conditions, ComEC can help reduce the electricity bill by up to 12% by dynamically reducing overvoltage and optimising the voltage supplied to loads.
The cost depends on the configuration and installation context (rating, switchboard integration and site requirements). Here it’s best to add customer-provided guidance or a “tailor-made quotation” statement based on a site assessment/analysis.
