SmartWatt Energy has helped NOR-AM Cold Storage Logistics achieve savings of 218,761 kilowatt-hours at its facility in Schuyler NE after a LED lighting retrofit.
Representatives from Cornhusker Public Power District were at NOR-AM recently to present a $24,016.08 incentive check for the energy-efficient lighting upgrades. The funds are made possible through the EnergyWise program offered by Cornhusker Power partnered with its power supplier, Nebraska Public Power District.
“Upgrading technology and generating energy savings is a win-win situation,” said David Johnson, plant manager for NOR-AM Cold Storage Logistics. “The improvements are estimated to save more than $14,132 annually, which would pay for the project in four years.”
SmartWatt Energy’s engineering team completed a detailed energy audit (DEA) at the facility, then proposed improvements that included 109 lights—most of which were metal halides—being retrofitted to LEDs. Occupancy sensors were added to most of the lights, resulting in additional energy savings. LED lighting technology introduces very little heat into the facility, which is an added benefit for cold storage facilities and results in additional “coincidence cooling.”
“Our goal is to support our customers to become more efficient,” said Karen Schlautman, marketing director for Cornhusker Public Power District. “Lighting technologies developed during the past 10 years can help cut lighting costs 30% to 60%, while enhancing lighting quality and reducing environmental impacts.”
According to US Environmental Protection Agency estimates, the energy savings system designed by SmartWatt Energy for NOR-AM Cold Storage Logistics will eliminate the equivalent of 151 metric tons of carbon dioxide—equivalent to the carbon sequestered annually by 32.2 acres of pine forests.
For more information, visit www.smartwattinc.com.
