[vc_row full_width=”” parallax=”” parallax_image=””][vc_column width=”1/1″][vc_column_text]Mark Whitney has a lot to say about saving energy. After spending 20 years as a lighting expert with PGE, he is confident that he can help save money for your business. This might seem antithetical to PGE’s bottom line, but Mark explained that saving energy means that PGE won’t have to build new power plants and other infrastructure.
PGE is the largest utility in Oregon with over 900,000 customers or 42% of the State’s population. The company is a recognized leader in the use of renewable energy such as wind power and electric vehicles. Mr. Whitney explained that non-retail businesses, on average, spend 40% of their total energy on office equipment, including all those computers and other items left in “stand-by” mode. About 27% of energy is used on lighting, and another 12% on cooling. In retail businesses, 43% of energy is used on lighting such as overhead and display lighting for consumer products. Another 15% each is spent on equipment and cooling.
With this in mind, Mark mentioned various ways we can save energy in our offices and homes. Turning off lights is an easy one. Many people are still under the assumption that turning lights on and off wastes energy, but this is no longer the case. The exception is when using halogen lightbulbs that can experience shortened life when frequently turned on and off. He also recommended using power strips that can be turned off easily and putting computers in sleep mode when not in use. Another big energy saver—or waster–is the thermostat. For every 1 degree that HVAC temperature is raised during summer or lowered during winter, total energy cost drops 3%. PGE recommends thermostats to be set at 68 degrees in winter and 75 degrees in summer. Mr. Whitney also reminded us that it is important to re-set thermostats for weekends or other periods of time when the office or building is not in use. Putting a locking case over the thermostat prevents employees from randomly changing the settings. Programmable thermostats are a big help with keeping settings constant, too. He cautioned against using space heaters because they use a lot of energy, but also because they can be a fire hazard.
Mark Whitney works with two other people from PGE to perform energy consultations for businesses and support the conservation efforts of Oregon Energy Trust. The Trust offers cash incentives to businesses for various items, such as adding insulation, purchasing energy efficient food-service equipment, and replacing energy guzzling light bulbs with more thrifty types. For instance, LED bulbs are good for high-bay buildings and warehouses and perform well in cold temperatures. By contrast, halogens produce a lot of heat and are sensitive to frequently being turned on and off.
Similar incentives are available for homeowners. They include replacing older home appliances with newer, Energy Star-rated models, purchasing energy-saving double-paned windows for an older home, and ditching an old wood burning fireplace for an energy efficient gas model.
PGE offers free classes on ways to save energy for your business. Consultations are free as well, and you can pick up some nifty “smart” power strips while you’re at it.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]