Working Wednesday: Energy Audits

An energy audit is an easy way to help a company's bottom line. It doesn't matter the size of the business-- even those operating in small buildings can take advantage of an energy audit. Businesses who have had a tough time making it through this long economic recession/depression, and are now in that "grey zone" where the fiscal stability is a bit foggy, should seriously consider an energy audit. The major electric companies in Ohio are all accomplished at the task of coming to your offices, researching the existing lighting, wiring, etc., and making suggestions.

Just think, Ohio’s contributions to our way of life by its sons and daughters, like Thomas Edison,  during the 20^th century are numerous and we still are receiving the benefits of their inventions, such as the electric light bulb. Virtually all businesses, schools, and homes are run more effectively since we can see better and for longer periods of time.

The Farm Science Review, (fsr.osu.edu) held annually during the 3^rd week in September

 at the Molly Caren Agricultural Center outside London, Ohio is an open air conference for agribusiness. There are a few buildings on the 2,100-acre site including the Ohio Rural Electric Cooperatives Education Center. Inside are booths related to energy and this year a booth was staffed by Dan Klear of Superior Energy Solutions. Superior Energy Solutions’ tag line is “ Your Access to Going Green”. One of their major services is a lighting assessment for improvements to lower energy bills. This is done by replacing or retro-fitting with new energy efficient lights.

Dan spoke of K&M Tire in Van Wert with over 130,000 square feet under roof. After a lighting assessment was completed and new lighting was installed, the company was able to reduce their bill by $2,000 a month. Part of the energy plan was to only use lighting when people were in a particular area. Superior Energy Solutions installed sensors that would turn the lights on depending upon where people were located and working, not just having the lights on all the time, everywhere.

This same practice has saved money in high school gyms, fitness centers, and YMCA pools. When an area is not being used, the sensors turn off the lights. But when people access the area, then the sensors automatically turn the lights on.

Utility companies such as AEP have programs and grants that could partially offset the cost of the new lighting. There may also be available tax credits for becoming more efficient. These are worth looking into before starting such a project.