Lighting Savings Potential Surprises Business Owner

ST. PAUL – For a small business on Grand Avenue, an energy efficiency assessment from Energy Smart resulted in an “ah-ha” moment: Lighting upgrades in Skally Management’s sustainably managed Live Green Apartments were projected to capture significant savings.

During a site visit in early December 2012, Energy Smart staff explained to Skally Management that their outdated lighting system consumed significantly more energy than systems using today’s technology.

“The energy savings potential was much higher than I anticipated it would be by converting our existing T12 fluorescent fixtures to higher-efficiency equipment,” says owner Chad Skally.

However, time was of the essence. Incentive rebates offered through Xcel Energy for the upgrades were set to change in less than a month. Energy Smart helped the company finish the upgrade in time to receive a higher rebate. “I was very surprised at how quickly we were able to upgrade our lighting,” says Skally. “There was very minimal disruption to our work space during the upgrade.”

With the upgrade, Skally Management was able to reduce their lighting load by 54 percent while maintaining existing light levels. They are expected to save more than $524 annually in electric costs.

“We wouldn’t have made this upgrade without the help of Energy Smart,” remarked Skally. “We had limited time and resources. Energy Smart was able to identify opportunities, provide potential savings information, and assist in identifying equipment that qualified for utility rebates.”

Want to find out if a lighting upgrade can help your business reduce energy costs? Contact Energy Smart at 651.292.4657 or rverhulst@mnchamber.com.

Variable Speed Drives Adjust to Save Energy and Money

Did you know that a 20 percent decrease in an electric motor’s speed can cut its energy consumption by half?

Variable speed drives (VSDs) allow fans, pumps, and other equipment motors to run exactly as fast as needed, which is usually slower and more efficient than the rated speed. A VSD system can also prolong motor and equipment life by eliminating startup power surges. Businesses use VSDs for heating, cooling, and ventilation systems. A smart investment!

Many utilities offer rebates for VSDs. If you’d like to explore VSD rebates at your business, contact Energy Smart at info@mnenergysmart.com or 651.292.4652.

Canal Park Brewing Company Taps Minnesota Power’s Energy Conservation Program

DULUTH – It takes a lot of energy to make the ice-cold ale served at Canal Park Brewing Company, so the folks behind the new restaurant and brewery built it for optimal energy performance.

Minnesota Power’s Power of One® commercial conservation team engaged owners, architects, and electrical engineers to determine which energy-saving opportunities were the right fit for integration with the building’s design.

“The owners understood how short-term investments in energy efficiency would lead to long-term gains,” said Elden Lindamood of Wagner Zaun Architects. “Respect for the environment is part of the craft brew culture, so we became as energy and resource efficient as possible,” said Rockie Kavajecz, CPBC co-owner.

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