January 12, 2024 3 Ways Manufacturers Can Save on Energy This Winter

As freezing temperatures surge, manufacturers can take strategic measures to tackle rising energy bills.

By Tom Roberts, Senior Innovation Product Manager, IGS Energy

In the winter, when freezing weather and storms can increase energy demand dramatically, it’s not uncommon for businesses to see a higher-than-normal number on their monthly energy bill. Prioritizing effective energy management is top of mind for many manufacturers, so here are three steps manufacturers can take during the colder months to lower energy consumption and avoid significantly higher energy bills. 

1. Consider an Energy Audit

Running properties more efficiently is beneficial year-round, but winter is an ideal time to get serious about energy consumption. Before taking steps to reduce usage, manufacturers need to first benchmark where they are today. With an understanding of where operations are currently, manufacturers can determine when and how their team is using energy, as well as the impact on energy costs. 

For help in gathering and analyzing this data, it can be beneficial to consult with an expert, such as an energy supplier. Businesses are most likely to have success implementing energy efficiency efforts and controlling costs when operations, maintenance, and financial teams work together.

2. Understand Then Reduce Peak Demand

One of the most effective ways to save on power costs is to reduce peak demand. Peak demand is simply the time when a building’s energy usage is highest and is most common when a team is at its busiest in their respective space.

Energy efficiency efforts help save manufacturers money by lowering the demand required to run a facility. Being able to flex your energy load through efficiency solutions is one of the simplest ways to reduce energy spend. To identify if the peak demand your organization is being billed for happens often, start by reviewing a year’s worth of interval meter data.

From here, you can begin to reduce energy demand by adjusting processes to conserve more energy during the day.

3. Make the LED Switch

If your business hasn’t yet replaced old, energy-draining light bulbs with more efficient LED lighting, now is the time. LED technology offers countless advantages over traditional options: They’re highly customizable and are between 75-90% more efficient – adding up to a reduction in energy costs. Another plus is, they’re a more sustainable choice.

Ultimately, focusing on efficiency is the best way to prioritize energy savings during this unpredictable weather season and beyond. If faced with unpredictable winter weather that requires massive energy consumption to keep your facilities warm, being able to flex energy load through efficiency solutions is one of the simplest ways to reduce energy spend.

About IGS Energy
IGS Energy is redefining what it means to be an energy retailer. It empowers home and business customers to source the energy that’s right for them, manage their costs and carbon footprint, and protect the systems that keep their operations running efficiently.

As a proudly private company that follows the principles of Conscious Capitalism, IGS prioritizes the needs of its customers, employees and the communities where they live and work.

IGS Energy offers traditional and sustainable technologies and services, including 100% renewable electricity, carbon-neutral natural gas, solar energy systems and other energy-efficiency products.

They serve as a trusted advisor to more than 1 million customers nationwide, making an ever-changing and complex industry simpler.

For more information, visit igs.com.

About Tom Roberts
Tom is an expert in energy management, behind-the-meter solutions, batteries, load management and demand response. Tom identifies as a naturally curious individual who focuses on the possibilities of situations and designing solutions to complex problems.

Tom’s career is diverse, starting with seven years as an engineer in the research centers of two Fortune 500 companies. Self-taught computer skills led him to a consulting role as an application developer, and then to the role of IT director for a leading residential real estate developer. Customer service skills led to responsibilities in the warranty department. Most recently, he has moved back to his core technical skill set to oversee technology and business processes for an emerging energy service provider. Tom has been with IGS Energy for almost five years.

Website: https://www.igs.com/
Facebook: IGSEnergy
Instagram: @IGSEnergy
LinkedIn: IGS Energy + Tom Roberts

Subscribe to Industry Today