Trask-Decrow Allies with Efficiency Maine
Due to rising energy costs and increased awareness about environmental issues the Maine Public Utilities Commission established Efficiency Maine. Initiated in 2003, the key objective of Efficiency Maine is to assist Maine residents and businesses in reducing operating costs and use energy more efficiently.
A critical component of the Efficiency Maine Business Program is a network of more than 450 program allies, businesses which sell or install energy efficient equipment that meets program efficiency standards. Allies help with advertising and marketing the program directly to their customers and members as an added value. They implement efficiency measures, as well as assist customers with paperwork, cost effectiveness calculations, and communicating with Efficiency Maine staff.
As a leading program ally, Trask-Decrow Machinery earns high praise from David Kyle, program manager for Efficiency Maine. From day one, they have been one of our strongest allies in recommending energy-saving solutions. Proof of their commitment to the program can be seen in the numbers. Trask-Decrow has implemented 59 projects, helping customers receive more than $1.3 million dollars in incentives. Assuming an average cost of 12 cents per kWh, Trask-Decrows Efficiency Maine clients realize an annual savings of 12.4 million kWh or $1.5 million in savings. Trask-Decrow Machinery is a South Portland based company which sells and services air compressors, industrial pumps and vacuum pumps and portable generators.
One example of Trask-Decrow helping a client succeed at reducing energy costs and energy consumption is an installation at the Bangor Daily News. According to Maintenance Superintendent Doug Dunphy, they were looking to replace an aging air compressor. Trask-Decrow provided calculations related to use, energy consumption as well as energy saving solutions. Our old 100 horse power compressor operated at full tilt all the time, says Dunphy, we were in the market for something that better met our needs. The Bangor Daily News decided to purchase an Ingersoll-Rand Nirvana air compressor. According to Dunphy the variable speed capabilities of the Nirvana was key when it came to this purchase. We didnt need our compressor to work full time, all the time. Now, if we only need 10 h.p., thats what we get. Since the installation in 2003, the Bangor Daily News has realized a significant reduction in its energy consumption.
Allies provide savings calculations and energy audits that help customers qualify for Efficiency Maines cash incentives to defray upfront costs for qualifying energy-efficient equipment. Greg Scott, sales manager for Trask-Decrow, says they are happy to do their part. We make it our business to know what energy efficient programs are being offered so we can make sure eligible customers benefit from those programs. For us, its part of doing the job right by the customer, he said.
Article by: Will Fessenden, Emcompass Marketing & Design
