3-PART BLOG SERIES
Demand-Side Energy Management
In part one of our three-part series, we examined the supply-side of industrial-scale energy management – what it is, why it’s essential, and the various components utilized to develop holistic efficiency strategies. In part two, we look at the demand side of the equation – an aspect of energy management that is probably more familiar because it includes the on-site hardware, controls, and components that make up the backbone of an efficient operation. These demand-side energy operations represent the visible manifestation of a strategic energy plan. Still, it’s important to note that the physical components are only as effective as the supply-side review and the data and measurement that support them.
Here at Ally, when we talk about the “Enterprise View of Energy” that drives all of our efforts, we are talking about a whole system view of energy management that accounts for long- and short-term economics, operational efficiency, sustainability, and carbon reduction. Our plans are comprehensive and factor in how the modification to one system can positively or negatively impact other systems and how the order of implementation can impact the economics of efficiency projects over the long term. This is to say; energy efficiency is more than just a lighting upgrade and more than a single system retrofit. Every one of our demand-side efforts is supported by supply-side research, in-depth data analysis, and expert planning.
Part Two: Demand-Side Energy Management
The components of demand-side energy management drive the performance of the entire facility. From lighting, sensors, and controls to HVAC, boilers, and refrigeration, demand-side improvements impact energy efficiency and the operational efficiency of the building, the machinery, and the labor force.
Demand Side Solutions Deliver:
- Energy Efficiency
- Improved Operations
- Energy Security
- System Modernization
- Supply-Side Tariff and Rebate Qualifications
Where It All Begins – LED Lighting and Sensor Backed Controls
LED Lighting is where strategic energy management begins because the financial, operational, and environmental return on investment is significant.
- Lighting sensor and control retrofits can be the starting point for future projects that improve building occupancy plans, loss prevention efforts, and employee wellness.
- Long-lasting LED lights reduce system maintenance costs and improve safety.
- Improved light quality contributes to employee comfort and visibility.
Above all, a LED lighting upgrade’s financial and efficiency benefits are so robust that the cost savings can be used to finance other demand-side projects that are necessary but provide a smaller financial return. The cost-saving potential of a lighting upgrade cannot be overstated. One Ally client – Steelscape in Washington – saved $70K in annual energy costs while slashing their energy consumption by 1.2 million kWh when they upgraded their lighting system to sensor-backed LEDs. In just under three years, the project will have paid for itself in saved utility costs, with a total of nearly $500,000 of cash flow freed up over the first ten-year period.
Find Out More About This Project:
Controls and Process Upgrades Modernize Systems, Improve Security and Deliver Cost Savings
Refrigeration, compressed air, PLC controls, automation – when it comes to operational efficiency, cost savings, and process improvements go hand in hand. This is the true beauty of today’s energy efficiency landscape – projects that reduce energy consumption and shrink a company’s carbon footprint also improve profit margins because they make the entire operation function better.
Here’s a list of a few of our more recent projects:
Wastewater Project
Replace surface aerators with sub-surface propellers and implement aeration blower controls upgrades.
2-year simple payback
Refrigeration Project
Automate controls system and perform condenser upgrades.
$3 million ten-year positive cash flow
PAA Reclamation Project
Wastewater treatment, PH Adjustment, water, PAA chemical.
Annual cost savings $849,881
Get Comprehensive Details About These Projects and More:
Ally – Demand-Side, Supply-Side, All Sides Energy Management Experts
The Ally team has decades of experience that we put to work to develop comprehensive demand-side energy management strategies for companies ranging from food production to shipping and logistics to aviation and industrial manufacturing. Our solutions are designed to take full advantage of rebates, incentives, and financing mechanisms that result in low to no capital expenditures. Meanwhile, our data solutions verify cost savings and monitor efficiency over time to ensure projects perform as promised.
