PUD Partners with Glacier NW to improve efficiency at Santosh Plant
September 17, 2007
Glacier NW and Columbia River PUD have completed two efficiency projects at Glacier's Santosh plant in Scappoose that will reduce energy costs by over $8,525 a year.
The projects included replacing standard efficiency motors with premium efficiency motors on a conveyor and replacing the existing lighting system with more efficient fixtures.
These investments are expected to reduce energy use at the plant by 237,000 kWh each year. For Glacier NW these projects reduce electricity costs, improve plant performance and reduce the environmental impact of energy use.
Glacier NW representatives Bob Short and Gene Northway accept a check from PUD General Manager Kevin Owens for incentives earned by the efficiency projects that were recently completed at the Santosh Plant.
These projects are part of a regional program by Bonneville Power Administration and the PUD to purchase energy saved through investments in efficiency. Based on verified savings the PUD will pay Glacier NW an incentive of $14,025 toward the total project cost.
"These programs benefit all PUD customers by keeping power costs affordable," said Kevin Owens, PUD General Manager. "Investing in energy efficiency is less expensive than buying power on the market or building new power plants."
Using electricity more efficiently also reduces the PUD's long-term distribution costs. When customers increase their efficiency the PUD can serve more customers without making additional capital investments in the distribution system.
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For more information, contact Libby Calnon, PUD Communication Specialist, at lca@crpud.org or (503) 366-3264.
Columbia River People's Utility District provides electric service to 18,100 customers in Columbia and Multnomah Counties in Oregon.
The PUD employs 48 people and had FY2006 gross revenues of $28.8 million.