ALBERT LEA, MN – Lakeside Foods, Inc. is using energy efficiency to enhance the quality of its products for customers while reducing energy costs.
The company recently completed several energy efficiency projects to install new lighting, occupancy sensors and variable frequency drive motors. Motor systems can account for approximately 60-70 percent of the total electricity used in an industrial facility. Energy expenditures can be 10 percent or more of the total operating cost
The company expects the new energy efficiency equipment to reduce energy usage and increase cost savings.
“We expect these energy efficiency projects to increase the overall productivity of our facility while reducing energy costs,” said Guy Blume, Lakeside Foods Operations Manager. “Through our continued partnership with Alliant Energy, these projects further our commitment to pursue processes and technology that benefit our customers, company and environment.”
The projects were completed under Alliant Energy’s Custom Rebate energy programs. Lakeside Foods expects to achieve annual energy savings of more than 695,000 kilowatt-hours per year. The energy savings will result in avoiding approximately 479 metric tons of carbon dioxide emissions each year. This is equivalent to removing approximately 101 passenger vehicles from Iowa roadways or the amount of carbon dioxide sequestered by nearly 393 acres of forest in the United States.
In addition to the anticipated energy savings, the company received a $90,037 rebate for the projects.
“Lakeside Foods is not only achieving energy cost savings with these projects, but are also significantly reducing their impact on the environment,” said Rebecca Gisel, Alliant Energy key account manager. “Lakeside Foods is a great example of a company that is incorporating energy efficiency technology into their production processes. The results demonstrate the economic and environmental benefits that energy efficiency can provide for the company, their customers and our communities.”
Alliant Energy offers the Minnesota Custom Rebate program to businesses seeking to implement new or innovative ways to reduce energy demand. The company also offers a number of Prescriptive Rebate programs for companies looking to increase the energy efficiency of their facilities. These programs are available to Alliant Energy retail electric and gas customers located in its Iowa and Minnesota service area.