Electric Co-op Today

An Indiana generation and transmission cooperative is working with its member distribution co-ops to find ways for their key accounts to improve energy efficiency.

Carol Ousley (right), an energy advisor with Kosciusko REMC, discusses lighting efficiency with Don and Donna Robinson at their plastics fabricating plant. (Photo By: /Troy Cozad/Kosciusko REMC)

Wabash Valley Power Association is beefing up its services to support commercial and industrial efficiency efforts, and plans to expand the program to reap savings from institutional accounts.

“If we can teach people to make more efficient choices, we can delay the construction of new power plants,” said Ronnie Mohr, a director of Greenfield-based NineStar Connect, who also serves on the G&T’s board. “That will allow our consumer-members to better manage their energy costs.”

Mohr looked at the cost savings and potential payback for a shop lighting project on his 4,500-acre farm in the Greenfield area.

“We had mercury vapor bay lights and we weren’t happy with them,” Mohr said. “We’re going to go with T-5 or T-8 fluorescents. We’ll not only get more light, but the fixtures will pay for themselves in energy savings.”

Besides stepping up efficiency audits for commercial, industrial and institutional accounts, Wabash Valley Power is contracting an outside consultant with nearly two decades of experience with C&I accounts.

“We’ll be able to run the numbers to show those commercial and industrial account holders which improvements and upgrades will make the most sense,” said Laura Matney, an energy advisor with the Indianapolis-based G&T.

Wabash Valley Power has traditionally gleaned more savings from C&I accounts than from residential accounts because larger users offer more opportunities for savings, Matney said. “We’re expanding the program to include programs specifically targeted toward schools and agriculture beginning next year.”

The G&T’s expansion of the program could reach farms, businesses and schools in parts of four states. While most of Wabash Valley Power’s 28 member distribution co-ops are in Indiana, some serve parts of Illinois, Missouri and Michigan. The inclusion of schools could potentially help co-op consumer-members control the costs of operating the tax-supported facilities.

“This program is designed to produce documented reductions in energy use,” said Jeff Hampshire, a director of LaGrange County REMC, serving LaGrange County, Ind., and a member of the Wabash Valley Power board. “If commercial and institutional accounts can reduce the kilowatt hours used, they will see the cost savings.”

Tags: Economic Development, Energy Efficiency, G&T