Case Study

Voltage Optimisation for Critical Broadband Infrastructure

A large UK telecoms infrastructure provider set a portfolio-wide challenge: deliver measurable, always-on energy reduction (24/7/365) on mission-critical sites — without compromising uptime, compliance, or operational resilience.

£93,933.43

Annual savings achieved

268,281 kWh

Annual energy reduction

55,574.78 kg CO₂

Annual emissions avoided

3.5%

Average energy saving

Project Overview

Client

Broadband infrastructure provider

Location

England

Industry

IT & Telecoms

Technology

250A Smart Voltage Optimiser (enPact Voltage)

Background & Challenge

Rising energy costs — combined with expected increases in capacity utilisation — created a clear need to reduce electrical consumption across a growing portfolio of sites. As the estate expanded, the cost impact scaled rapidly, prompting a structured programme of works aligned to existing maintenance and compliance schedules.

EMC-Emissis delivered a combined approach: multidisciplinary delivery (design, electrical works, compliance and commissioning) alongside energy reduction technology — minimising shutdown planning on critical infrastructure and avoiding the overhead of managing separate contractors and workstreams.

Innovation focus: UK network voltages can run higher than optimal for sensitive electronic loads. Smart voltage optimisation reduces wasted energy, while also helping protect equipment from voltage-related spikes and surges — supporting longer component life and lower maintenance demand.

Immediate cost reduction Improved asset resilience Reduced maintenance demand Portfolio-ready methodology Uptime-first delivery

Results & Benefits

Zero critical-load downtime during installation and commissioning.
Improved energy efficiency compared to pre-installation performance.
Enhanced remote visibility of energy usage and site performance via metering/portal.
Improved SLA compliance and increased stakeholder confidence.

Why it worked

Voltage optimisation performs best when the site is correctly assessed and the solution is sized to match actual operating load profiles — especially for sites with continuously operating UPS and critical electronic infrastructure.

Lessons Learned

Early load assessment and planning discussions are essential for correct system sizing.
Clear coordination with facilities and IT teams accelerates delivery and reduces risk.
Surveys that include logistics and access constraints materially improve timelines.
Independent delivery enables coordination with existing equipment, maintenance and future spares strategy.
Proving temporary generator integration de-risks contingency procedures for mission-critical services.

Installation Methodology

1

Site Preparation

Design and drawings issued; cable routing and containment planned; change request, access and PTW arranged directly with the client. Temporary generator sizing, supply, delivery and setup coordinated as part of the project.
2

Equipment Placement

Voltage optimiser delivered and positioned on a solid base. New MCCB installed and prepared for routing between the VO unit and existing switchgear. Temporary generator positioned and cabling routed ready for shutdown window.
3

Electrical Cabling

Existing cables utilised where suitable; new cabling installed as required. Full BS 7671 testing completed to meet current regulations.
4

Testing & Commissioning

NICEIC certification completed. Pre-installation inspection recorded. Metering verified to the monitoring portal, confirmed operational and calibrated.

Operational Assurance

The delivery plan was engineered around uptime. Temporary power integration and sequencing ensured the critical load remained supported throughout installation and commissioning.

Uptime outcome: Installation and commissioning achieved zero downtime for critical services.

Conclusion

The VO installation delivered energy reduction from day one, while strengthening confidence in contingency procedures for mains failure scenarios. This project demonstrates how detailed planning, correct technology selection, and professional delivery unlock reliable, portfolio-ready efficiency improvements for mission-critical power systems.