Utilities and Industrial Customers: Partners in Energy Management

Abstract

In today's competitive environment, many utilities are not only
pursuing new industrial customers, but actively working to help ex-
isting industrial customers become more competitive and profitable.
There is fierce competition among corporations, but there is also
competition between plants within the same company. As several
plants within one company become consolidated, each strives indi-
vidually to survive. At Virginia Power we are working with our
industrial customers to help them become as efficient as possible
while holding down energy costs.
One of the most valuable tools that utilities have to offer for
energy management is the industrial energy survey (audit). Within
the utility there is usually a department set up and trained with all
the proper tools and expertise to perform energy surveys. Let's face it,
who should know energy better than the utility company. On the
other hand, industrial plants know how to operate their own business
better than anyone else. If these two groups can work as partners,
both can receive immediate, as well as long lasting benefits.
A successful and lasting energy management program will have
the endorsement of the company's top management. A concise corpo-
rate energy policy, employee involvement, a reliable progress
reporting system, and employee training and responsibility are all
vital elements for success . A winning program is an ongoing process,
not a one shot effort.