Manufacturer Secures $169,800 in Energy Incentives Through Optimization
A large Illinois automotive supplier amplified their chiller plant optimization project by securing substantial utility incentives — 35% higher than their initial expectations — through expert program navigation.
47%
offset of implementation costs
930t
decrease in annual CO2 emissions
location
Illinois
industry
Automotive
the problem
Navigating Complex Incentive Opportunities
A major automotive supply manufacturing facility in Illinois implemented a comprehensive chiller plant optimization project to improve energy efficiency and reduce operational costs. While the optimization project itself promised substantial savings, the facility team recognized an additional opportunity: ComEd’s complex utility incentive programs could potentially offset a significant portion of the project costs. However, navigating these intricate rebate programs and verification requirements required specialized expertise to capture the full value of available incentives.
the solution
Expert Guidance and Comprehensive Support
The facility first implemented a chiller plant optimization solution with Xpress® to improve system efficiency and reduce energy consumption. Building on this foundation, they utilized the tekWatch® Navigator service to maximize the project’s financial returns through utility incentives. This specialized service combined technical expertise with utility program knowledge to identify and capture all available rebates.
The tekWorx team managed the entire incentive process: conducting detailed energy savings calculations, documenting optimization measures and variable speed drive installations, handling all technical worksheets, and managing utility communications throughout the verification process. This comprehensive approach ensured that every eligible component of the optimization project qualified for maximum incentive capture.
Not only did the tekWorx optimization platform deliver significant energy savings,but their rebate expertise secured an incentive 35% higher than our initial expectations.
Facility Director
the results
Exceeded Projections with Substantial Returns
The implementation delivered exceptional financial and environmental benefits that surpassed initial projections:
- Incentive Achievement: Secured $169,800 in total utility incentives, including $157,800 for optimization and $12,000 for variable speed drives
- Energy Impact: Achieved 1,315,000 kWh in first-year savings, exceeding projections by 5%
- Financial Performance: Reduced payback period from 3.2 years to 1.7 years, with projected 10-year energy savings of $1.44 million
- Environmental Benefit: Decreased annual CO2 emissions by 930 metric tons through optimized operations
The project’s success extended beyond immediate returns, establishing a foundation for future energy efficiency initiatives. By combining optimization technology with expert incentive navigation, the facility transformed their energy project into a comprehensive cost-saving achievement that significantly improved their environmental footprint.