By Kristin Rover
Sun staff
Huhtamaki, the global packaging manufacturer that recently opened in Batavia, received a $197,000 check from Duke Energy April 11 for their energy conservation efforts at their plant.
Sally Thelen, spokesperson for Duke Energy, said the funds come from Duke Energy’s Smart Saver Incentive Program, which allows businesses like Huhtamaki save money and save energy.
“They were able to get in on the front end and partner with us,” Thelen said about working with Huhtamaki. “This is the largest incentive check we have written. It shows the magnitude of the partnership.”
Richard Mills, director of operations of Huhtamaki in Batavia, said the company basically gutted the former Ford plant and made many improvements before beginning operations in the area.
As part of the construction process, Mills said they replaced 2,400 high-pressure sodium lights with energy-efficient lights.
“We intended to do that up front,” Mills said. “It was part of the original construction plan.”
Mills said the lights have made a difference visually and financially.
“It’s a much more pleasant work space,” Mills said. “Much better for team members.”
According to Duke Energy, the replacement lights at the plant reduce energy consumption by 3,221,922 kilowatt hours annually.
Mills said it is nice to receive funds as part of the Smart Saver Incentive Program.
“It’s nice to be able to be energy efficient,” Mills said. “To take advantage of economic incentives provides us better cost base for our business.”
In addition to lighting, Duke’s Smart Saver Incentive Program also enables businesses to receive incentives for installing HVAC equipment, pumps and other energy efficient equipment.
For more information about the Smart Saver Incentive Program, visit http://www.duke-energy.com/ohio-business.asp.