City View: Energy efficiency protects your bottom line, helps city reduce demand

by Bill Watkins

October 17,2008

It’s hard to listen to the news without hearing comparisons between our current economic conditions and the Great Depression, or rising fuel costs and the energy crisis of the 1970s. Whether these comparisons are valid or not, there are important things that we can learn from history.

First, we know that economic challenges mean we have to work harder, smarter and efficiently.  One of the ways we can all become more efficient is in the area of electric consumption.

The commercial sector represents 51 percent of Columbia’s electric load, so energy efficiency in this sector can really pay off. For every kilowatt saved, one less kilowatt has to be produced. This saves money for you and helps the city utility control costs.

One of the benefits our municipally-owned utility has to offer is a variety of energy efficiency programs. Some are measures that can be implemented at little to no cost.  Others may

require a larger investment, but the payback has never been better.

The easiest place to start saving energy is by changing workplace habits. Do you turn off machines when they are not in use? Is there a policy about where the thermostat should be set? Can you install occupancy sensors to decrease lighting costs? By setting a policy, setting an example and asking for everyone’s help, you can cut your electric bills.

Columbia Water & Light’s free energy audits are a great tool to help you find low-cost ways to save energy. By looking at your energy consumption and touring your facility, Columbia Water & Light staff can also advise you on larger efficiency projects. If your business spends a great deal on lighting costs, the utility’s Lighting Incentive program can help pay for upgrades. Or perhaps it’s time to replace your heating and cooling system. Columbia Water & Light offers low-interest loans and rebates for efficient systems.

The City of Columbia is currently analyzing other energy efficiency programs that could help your business. In the past year an integrated resource plan (IRP) has been developed. An IRP is a comprehensive approach to how Columbia will get power in the future and how we can reduce demand through energy efficiency.  The benefits of energy efficiency programs must be weighed against the cost of producing the energy.

The Columbia City Council will review the IRP during a work session Oct. 22 in the fourth floor conference room at the Daniel Boone Building, 701 East Broadway.  A number of commercial efficiency programs were evaluated in the report, which is available on the city’s Web site, www.GoColumbiaMo.com.

As you seek new ways to work harder and smarter, don’t forget to look at your energy use.  Remember, your city utility has energy efficiency programs that can help offset some of those rising costs that are affecting your bottom line.  For more information, call Columbia Water & Light at 874-7325.