General
IESCOshall take steps towards improving the quality and reliability of electric service to maximize the value of the energy that is used. Electricity adds to the quality of life, hence it makes good sense to use it wisely. Consumers are advised to be "energy smart".
Energy Efficiency and Energy Savings
The use of present-day technology boosts the efficiency of energy systems — such as super-efficient compact fluorescent lamps (CFL) and Light Emitting Diode (LED) bulbs. These bulbs yield pleasing light while consuming less electricity. There are many other proven ways to maintain and operate energy systems to save costs, many of which are at low or no cost:
- Turn off lights when not needed.
- Remove unneeded light bulbs.
- When replacing bulbs, use lower wattage or more efficient ones.
- Reduce air conditioning thermostat settings.
- Reduce air conditioning during unoccupied hours.
- Reduce air conditioning before the end of operating hours.
- Have ventilating and air conditioning systems serviced and adjusted.
- Turn off machines and equipment when not needed.
- Make sure all automatic controls are in good working condition.
- Ensure all motive machinery is properly lubricated and maintained.
Recommended Steps for Savings
- Find out last year's energy use and cost. Twenty to thirty percent savings may be possible with little effort.
- Do an energy "audit". Take a good look at how and where you use — and waste — energy. Get expert help if needed.
- Ask friends for their ideas and listen to their concerns about health and comfort. They should be fully involved in energy management efforts.
- Decide the top priority things to do and include them in an Energy Action Plan.
- Do them — with outside help if needed. The sooner a start is made, the better.
- Keep a record of savings to verify your efforts.
Lighting
Lighting energy can be wasted in several ways:
- Inefficient light sources: when a lamp or fixture converts electricity to light inefficiently, using more watts than necessary to produce lumens.
- Illumination losses: when dirt or an obstruction blocks light, or the source is too far away.
- Overlighting:when more light is used than needed, when free daylight isn't utilized, or when lights are on in empty rooms.
Three major ways to stop wasting lighting energy are:
- Turning lights off when not needed.
- Reducing light levels where you have more light than needed.
- Installing more efficient lighting or controls.
Information About Benefits of Saving Electric Power
IESCO shall provide sufficient information to consumers to make them aware of the benefits of efficient use and saving of electric power, which in turn results in savings to the utility. IESCO publishes pamphlets, makes advertisements, and issues handbills from time to time for consumer education. Information inserts will also be included in monthly bills.
Monitoring Use of Energy
Consumers are encouraged to prepare figures of monthly electricity bills for the last calendar year versus the current year to establish a baseline. Keeping a strict watch on energy consumption ensures that energy management efforts pay off.
General Tips — Industrial Operations
Saving energy makes good business sense. It's one of the easiest ways to reduce overhead costs, making products and services more competitive.
- Motors:Keep motors maintained and extending their operating life. Balance voltage on all phases. Use high-efficiency motors. Don't keep motors running on no-load.
- Compressed Air:Find and fix leaks (this can save up to 30% in energy). Lower the operating pressure. Ensure a good supply of cool air around the compressor so it doesn't overheat.
- Refrigeration: Keep freezer doors closed. Ensure the system is at the correct temperature (slight differences cause large bill changes). Ensure condensers are properly ventilated and not getting overheated.
- Heating / Pumping: Improve heating operations by checking burner air-to-fuel ratios. Improve pumping operations by matching pumps accurately to system requirements.