Getting Energy Smart
From retrofitting lighting to upgrading inefficient equipment, Energy Smart can help manufacturers save money.
In January 2009, Dero Bike Rack got a lighting makeover courtesy of Energy Smart, an energy efficiency business assistance program. The Minneapolis-based manufacturer of custom bike racks swapped out inefficient T12 bulbs with energy-saving T8s in its shop and office spaces. T8 bulbs produce similar light levels but consume as much as 40 percent less energy than T12s.
After receiving a $5,800 rebate from Xcel Energy for the swap, Dero is set to recoup the cost of the retrofitted bulbs in less than two years—and enjoy about $3,300 in energy bill savings each subsequent year. It also created better lighting for employees. It’s a good deal all around, says Corie Ross, Dero’s operational manager. “[Energy Smart] helped make this lighting transition very smooth and exciting,” she says.
Since October 2008, Energy Smart has been helping companies like Dero save money by tightening their energy belts. “Energy efficiency is one of the best investments you can make right now, because it has an absolute and sure return,” says Jill Curran, Energy Smart program manager. “Once that money is paid back for an energy efficient upgrade, it’s money in your pocket.”
Because the program is funded by several state utilities, members of the Energy Smart team—many of whom have been trained in energy auditing—work with interested businesses to schedule a no-cost energy assessment. The team then makes recommendations on how a company can save money.
Replacing inefficient lighting is the most popular method for companies because it’s an easy fix, Curran says. She also recommends that companies consider behavior modification, such as turning off lights when leaving a room or when the sun provides enough natural light. Other low- and no-cost energy savers include installing motion sensors in vending machines or replacing incandescent exit lights with LED bulbs.
“We really try to focus on the easy, low-hanging fruit first to get the businesses excited, to feel like they’re doing something,” says Curran. “We’ll [then] start taking a look at things that cost a little more money; they know they’ll be able to save money on those things, too.”
Often recommendations will be simple things, such as repairing a leaking air compressor or replacing outdated equipment with Energy Star-rated models.
“Also, with manufacturers, motors are a big thing,” says Curran. “Not all manufacturers know about variable frequency drives and the utility rebates available to put those kinds of things in.”
Whether a manufacturer ends up with a new air compressor or a simple motion sensor on the bathroom lights, Curran says, “we go onsite and help businesses identify ... what makes sense for them.”