OSI, a food industry company, has saved more than 7,255,000 kWh in its facilities since May, 2013, according to project partner Cascade Energy. Savings of $500,000 will be realized by the end of the year.
Cascade’s release says that the initial pilot program at the Oakland, IA plant included steps such as establishing measurement, tracking, benchmarking and reporting systems; adjusting various types of equipment; reporting on results and determining a course of action; engaging staff and refining and tweaking the plan based on results.
The plan was extended to five other plants this year. The company realized savings potential of 1,858,000 kWh annually at its West Chicago, IL, facility alone, the release says.
Optimization of steam power and other plant utilities is an important way to limit energy usage in the food and beverage industry.