As Wabash Valley expands its successful efforts to increase energy efficiency among commercial and industrial accounts, we plan to tap into some valuable expertise. Tom Kovalek, Business Development Manager for Franklin Energy, recently talked to the board about the role his company would play in our efforts. 

Tom told the directors that the Wisconsin-based company has been supporting co-ops, municipal utilities, and other energy organizations for 17 years. Among their clients is the Indiana Municipal Power Association, for which they provide strategy and program planning services.

Franklin Energy would provide the support Wabash Valley and participating co-ops would need to expand the scale of our C&I energy efficiency program. They take a results-focused approach that involves detailed tracking of their efforts and the savings that have been achieved. They also work closely with contractors to ensure that members have access to companies that can properly install energy-efficient equipment. 

The company’s field staff is specially trained to identify practical steps that C&I members can take to make better use of their energy dollars. For example, Franklin’s field team looks at everything from lighting and motors to devices such as occupancy sensors. They’ll add another level to the expertise provided by co-op Energy Advisors and technical staff, offering those all-important C&I accounts greater value and another advantage of doing business with their local co-ops.

According to Residential Energy Advisor Laura Matney, the proposed 2012 plan includes additional energy efficiency efforts targeted at commercial and industrial users.

Assuming board approval, “a key addition will be a program targeted at schools,” Laura explained. “That doesn’t mean we’ll be educating students. Instead, we’ll help school districts improve the efficiency of their facilities. Beyond the lighting and HVAC programs we’ve been offering, we’ll provide walk-throughs that will give the schools’ maintenance staffs new ideas for improving the comfort of their staff and students while lowering their energy bills.”

She noted that focusing on schools gives local co-op members a double benefit. “At a time when many school districts are grappling with budget cuts, spending less on energy means superintendents and principals will be able to put more money into the classroom,” Laura said. “In addition, lower energy costs mean lower taxes for the members who support the schools.”

The 2012 effort will build upon the current program that rewards C&I members for specific investments in higher-efficiency lighting and HVAC equipment. “We’re also planning to add some incentives that specifically target agricultural accounts,” she added.

Finally, the energy efficiency plan calls for additional flexibility for special situations, Laura said. “If a C&I member has a project that doesn’t match our other programs, we’ll work with them to see if we can create a special incentive based upon their projected energy savings.”