The utility bill experts at SM Engineering have seen just about everything. After a utility bill audit, we’ve found facilities that are maximizing their energy savings and companies that had to make substantial investments to reduce utilities costs. But for a bottling plant in Pennsylvania, a simple—and free—flip of a switch saved the company thousands.
The Energy Cost Challenge
The bottling plant contacted SM Engineering to conduct a predominant use energy tax study. The company hoped to take advantage of a Pennsylvania manufacturer tax credit. The facility’s ventilation was designed to accommodate a propane-powered forklift. The ventilation fans worked overtime to clear out carbon monoxide from the forklift exhaust. And in wintertime, the heating system worked hard to heat the outside air the fans drew through the facility.
This system was great when the facility used propane-powered forklifts. But it had switched to electrical ones several years ago. Despite this, the ventilation system was still pumping in—and heating—outside air as if the propane forklifts were still in use.
SM Engineering’s Solution
Our solution for the bottling plant was simple. After a utility bill audit and site visit, the SM Engineering auditors alerted the plant’s management team of the operating error. By simply turning off the unneeded ventilation fans, the company could save thousands of dollars.
As a result, the manufacturer has saved an average of $60,000 a year on energy costs after making this simple—and free—fix. How much savings could a no-obligation, no-cost study of your energy use find your company? Schedule a call with SM Engineering today.
