Valencia Liquor Shopped for Energy Savings
A small grocery, Valencia Liquor, found that a number of simple measures could add up to a big difference in their bottom line. Taking advantage of rebates for T8 lighting, compact fluorescent lights, strip curtains, and other small refrigeration upgrades, it saved 10% of its energy costs annually. With Time-Of-Use rates and Critical Peak Pricing (CPP) events, it’s the perfect time to learn about this grocery’s energy-saving achievements and apply similar strategies to your business.
Finance Your Energy-Efficient Projects
Several groceries have already taken advantage of energy-efficient equipment. To help your business receive these same cost-efficient benefits, we offer low-interest financing for qualified energy-efficient projects.
Energy-Efficient Solutions and Tips for Grocery
Here are just a few of the energy-efficient programs and suggestions that our customers have employed to increase their cost efficiency. You’ll also find more energy-efficient solutions in our Supermarkets Fact Sheet and Small Grocery Fact Sheet and a complete list of all our qualifying energy-efficiency incentives and demand response programs by requesting our Solutions Directory.
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Lighting and Lighting Controls
Help improve your energy efficiency by better managing your lighting costs.
- Use LED bulbs and LED exit signs
- Install dimmable ballasts to lower energy use in fluorescent lamps
- Change refrigeration display case lighting to LEDs, found to be more appealing to customers as well
- Install inexpensive occupancy sensors so lighting goes out automatically in unoccupied areas
Your business may already qualify for incentives that could put these energy-saving upgrades into effect.
Cooling
Maximize your energy saving by effectively managing your air-conditioning systems.
- Install programmable thermostats
- Install window film and blinds to keep the heat out
- Switch to LED bulbs and decrease the amount of office heat and A/C energy use
- Sign up for HVAC Maintenance
There are many more energy-efficient solutions for your business.
Refrigeration and Cooking Equipment
- Purchase new energy-saving equipment that more effectively manages your energy use
- Install refrigeration curtains and auto door closers
- Add temperature controllers and anti-sweat heater controls
- Install nighttime display covers for open coolers
- Upgrade to new, more energy-efficient ENERGY STAR® certified ovens, fryers, steamers, exhaust hoods, and exhaust hood controls for significant energy savings during down times
- Switch to automatic sensor ice machines to turn off during TOU On-Peak hours or larger ones that make ice during TOU Off-Peak hours
- Replace worn seals and gaskets on refrigerator and freezer doors, install automatic door closers
- Install new, water-efficient commercial equipment to minimize water demand
Your business can benefit from even more energy-efficient equipment options.
Automated Demand Response (Auto-DR)
Receive energy savings by using smart technology that effortlessly and temporarily reduces the amount of energy your business uses (known as “load reduction”) during a DR event. With Auto-DR, load reduction is automatic and reliable, so it’s easier to participate in DR programs to capitalize on program earnings and help lower your energy costs.
- Install equipment that automates electrical load reduction during demand response events and receive Automated Demand Response Technology incentives
No-Cost, Do-It-Yourself Tips
Here are some immediate ways to significantly reduce your business energy use.
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Refrigerated Equipment and Cold-Storage Areas:
- Maintain appropriate temperature settings in freezers (-8°F to -14°F) and refrigerators (35°F to 38°F)
- Clean evaporator coils
- Reduce air leakage in refrigerated cases
- Add strip curtains to walk-in doors
- Turn down refrigerated storage and refrigerant compressors during Time- of- Use (TOU) On-Peak Hours and Critical Peak Pricing (CPP) events
- Turn off ice machines and reschedule dishwashing/laundry processes before or after TOU On-Peak Hours and CPP events
- Delay use of electric resistance defrost controls and the use of anti-sweat heaters before or after TOU On-Peak Hours and CPP events
Hot-Food Preparation Areas:
- Minimize preheating energy use by following manufacturer recommendations for preheat times and temperature settings
- Set cooking schedules to use cooking equipment at full capacity
- Unused and backup equipment can be turned off during low production periods and CPP events
- Reduce air leakage in ovens by making sure doors fit tightly and gaskets are in good condition
Offices and Back Rooms:
- Make sure HVAC settings are at minimum settings during hours of low use
- Turn off all office equipment and lights during non-business hours
- Pre-cool work areas in the morning, then cycle ventilation and A/C units during TOU)On-Peak Hours and CPP events
- Make comprehensive changes to industrial processes to reduce water consumption
- Change industrial process water system to reuse processed wastewater