Harvesting Efficiency
Every dairy cow carries an energy price tag. Farmers pump water—and $2.6 billion in energy dollars—to boost crops. At the end of the day, energy, both direct and indirect, accounts for 13 percent of production expenses on an average farm, so it makes sense that more farmers are turning to energy efficiency to help their [...]
Sault Schools Save Big on Energy Efficiency
Does energy efficiency add up for schools? Let’s do the math. Not only are students and staff more comfortable and focused, but energy efficiency also helps funds go further. For these reasons and more, the Sault Ste. Marie Area Public Schools recently completed multiple large-scale lighting projects as part of their ongoing energy-saving efforts. “Although [...]
Energy Optimization Program Is Proven Winner With Businesses
Banks Hardwoods Inc., headquartered in White Pigeon, MI, with additional facilities in Newberry, and Menomonie, WI, is a supplier of sustainable, quality hardwood lumber. The company ships about 65 million board feet annually from its 28 drying kilns to customers making a variety of products, including moulding and furniture, throughout the Midwest. And, like most [...]
Business Rebates for Past Projects
If you completed an energy efficiency project last year and you weren’t aware of our business rebates, it’s not too late! Typically, Energy Optimization rebate applications must be submitted within 30 days of a project’s completion. The Energy Optimization program will now accept applications for energy efficient qualifying products installed within the past 24 months. [...]
They Get Air Conditioning and More
After attending an energy seminar hosted by their electric co-op, Great Lakes Energy members Steven and Dawn Burks learned there’s an air conditioning system that can help lower their winter heating bills, too. When they built their new home near East Jordan in 2011, they had a 95 percent efficient propane furnace and an air-source [...]
Odawa Casino Resort Plays It Smart
If a casino finds energy waste risky, should other businesses take note? Over the last three years, Odawa Casino Resort in Petoskey implemented nine energy efficiency projects—all of them through Great Lakes Energy and its Energy Optimization (EO) program. As a result, this business saves 3 million kilowatt hours (kWh) per year—equivalent to removing 406 [...]