JACKSON CENTER — Jackson Center electric customers have surpassed $1 million in lifetime energy cost savings, thanks to a three-year partnership between the Village of Jackson Center and Efficiency Smart.
The most recent contract, which began in 2014 and runs through the end of 2016, is designed to save Jackson Center Municipal Electric System customers energy and money through energy efficiency offerings. In total, customers are currently expected to save more than $1,187,000 and more than 14,368,000 kilowatt-hours (kWh) of energy over the lifetime of the energy-efficient products and equipment installed since 2014.
Five organizations have completed energy efficiency projects in Jackson Center during the current contract period, with the most common improvements being lighting and compressed air upgrades. These organizations are expected to save an average of $181,500 over the lifetime of the efficiency upgrades. The completed energy efficiency projects were cost-effective, averaging a payback period of 3.3 years.
Residents have also taken advantage of Efficiency Smart’s services, with more than 100 residents receiving discounts on efficient lighting or rebates on the purchase of efficient appliances and products. These have amounted to lifetime savings of more than $44,600.
“Efficiency Smart is a great value to our residents and businesses,” said Bruce Metz, Jackson Center village administrator. “Although we are proud to exceed $1 million in lifetime customer savings, the benefits of partnering with Efficiency Smart go far beyond that. This partnership diversifies our energy portfolio and helps reduce peak demand and transmission and distribution charges, which saves the entire village money.”
The Village of Jackson Center also invested into energy efficiency by completing multiple municipal projects. Projects such as variable frequency drive (VFD) upgrades at its waste water treatment plant, LED street lights and other lighting improvements resulted in more than $17,200 in annual energy savings and more than $234,900 in lifetime savings.
In addition to the more than $1 million in lifetime energy savings from this contract, Jackson Center Municipal Electric System customers are expected to save $650,000 over the lifetime of the energy-efficient products and equipment installed between 2011 and 2013, when the village first partnered with Efficiency Smart. Since 2011, Jackson Center customers are saving more than $133,000 annually and are expected to save more than $1,837,000 in total lifetime savings.
These lifetime energy savings are roughly equivalent to removing the greenhouse gas emissions from 3,275 passenger vehicles driven for a year, the annual electric usage of 2,289 homes for a year, or the reduction of 34,180,240 pounds of carbon dioxide (CO2).
“We have seen an enthusiastic response from Jackson Center residents and businesses,” said David Cawley, director of Efficiency Smart. “Jackson Center is a great partner and we are proud of the commitment to energy efficiency shown by the community.”
The subscription process for the next contract period will start later on this year.
“We would certainly welcome the opportunity to partner with Jackson Center again,” Steven Nyeste from Efficiency Smart said.
More information about the services and financial incentives available to Jackson Center Municipal Electric System customers through Efficiency Smart can be found at efficiencysmart.org or by calling 877-889-3777.
