by Erin McAfee | Jan 21, 2022 | Uncategorized
On behalf of parent company, SJI, EnerConnex is pleased to announce that as of December 31, 2021 at 11:59 PM, we have merged with another wholly-owned subsidiary of SJI – Applied Energy Partners LLC. The start of the new year created an opportunity to merge the two companies and streamline processes and systems as both of us are electricity and natural gas brokers. Moving forward, EnerConnex will be the broker of all Applied Energy Partners accounts, as we are the entity registered with the Public Utility Commission within all deregulated states. SJI remains committed to the broker/consultant model and we feel this merge only strengthens that commitment.
Should anyone have any questions regarding this, please do not hesitate to reach out to sshannon@enerconnex.com and tdufraine@enerconnex.com. Thank you!
by Erin McAfee | Jan 11, 2022 | Uncategorized
LED lighting and controls technology have improved making upgrading more affordable than ever. Lighting retrofits are not only a sustainable solution to push your company into the future, but also provide cost savings opportunities. Whether you’re simply in need of a new lighting system due to outdated and wearing equipment or looking to take advantage of the number of benefits a retrofit will provide – now’s the time to invest.
Our top five (5) reasons you should upgrade to LEDs and Controls:
- Reduce Energy Consumption
As more companies are looking to the future, one of the top and most common reasons for investing in a lighting retrofit is for the energy consumption benefits. Depending on the application, the reduction in lighting load alone can be up to 50% or more. There is an opportunity for added savings by applying advanced control strategies to reduce consumption an additional 40% or more in most spaces. There is also the potential to reduce the number of light fixtures required to light a given space which meads you purchase less fixtures.
2. Lower Operations and Maintenance Costs
New, longer life products require less periodic maintenance and extend the time between re-lamp expenses. Longer lifespans and reliability save additional money in difficult to service spaces that require time and equipment to access. Include lighting controls during installation to better predict future maintenance needs.
3. Improve Site Safety
Lighting retrofits can improve site safety by addressing areas of low light that could be potential safety hazards. Working with installers who provide design and photometric analysis will identify areas for improvement such as low-lit parking lots, dark warehouse areas and high security areas. A retrofit upgrade can improve light levels in these high-hazard areas while still reducing energy consumption.
4. Integrate with Building Management Systems
Building management systems can integrate with upgraded lighting systems. Retrofits are often compatible with BACnet and Niagara AX protocol, and many lighting control systems have Tstat capabilities for increased savings where no central BMS is present. Lighting data can be incorporated into existing BMS analytics and other data analytic applications. Once implemented, all building controls can be viewed on one central platform to monitor performance and adjust.
5. Rapid ROI by Maximizing Utility Rebates
With the use of rebates, ROI investments can be brought down under two years. When it comes to sustainable lighting solutions, there are several rebate options available. In many cases, rebates can pay for large portions of the project when they are identified and scoped into the work early on. Once the rebates have been approved, the payment may be directly paid to the end user or it may be applied to the project costs. This process will vary depending on the specific rebate and the state in which the project is completed in. Assessing your project will help ensure you are taking advantage of the most aggressive rebates being offered by choosing the correct lighting products for your space.
Not sure where to get started? Partnering with EnerConnex will ensure that you have the proper upgrade for your facility and are reaching optimal savings. Email us at: info@enerconnex.com
This blog post was provided by: Greg Hermanowycz
Greg Hermanowycz is the Director of Technology and Project Development for one of our strategic partners, WESCO Energy Solutions. He brings 30 years of experience in international and domestic business leadership, sales, operations/post-sales support, architecture/lighting design, and project management. Greg received a Bachelor of Science in Architecture from the New York Institute of Technology and holds certifications from NCQLP, LEED AP, and is a member of the American Institute of Architects and the IES. He is dedicated to innovative and energy-efficient solutions with a customer focus.
by Erin McAfee | Jan 6, 2022 | Uncategorized
Energy often represents one of the largest operating expenses for both commercial and industrial facilities. Investing in Energy Efficiency projects offer more than just savings or reduction in energy use and covers a gambit of projects and costs.
The types of Energy Efficiency Projects that are the most common are:
- LED lighting retrofits
- Replacing older HVAC equipment
- Replacing mechanicals, such as motors & drives
- Building automation and smart lighting controls
The goal for most projects focusses on reducing energy costs, however there are more benefits to various projects than one might think. Energy Efficiency can also lead to:
- Optimization of employee production
- Optimization of space and process
- Increased safety and security
- Lower maintenance costs
- Reduce Greenhouse emissions
- Enhance brand reputation
Identifying Energy Efficiency projects is easy and EnerConnex can help you strategize and prioritize projects, so nothing interferes with your business’ day-to-day operations. Lighting retrofits are considered in the industry as low-hanging fruit since lighting projects tend to be less intrusive and can be completed without shutting down daily operations.
A lighting retrofit is simply an upgrade to existing fixtures or lamps. What makes lighting/LED retrofits one of the most common projects are:
- Reduction of 30%-50% of your lighting operating costs
- Utility Rebates and Incentives can significantly reduce the cost of a project
- ROI is typically 2 years or Less
- Significantly reduces Maintenance and bulb replacement costs-Average lifespan of commercial LED lights are roughly 25,000-50,000 hours
- Significantly increases light quality, optimizing employee productivity and increased safety and security
EnerConnex can assist you with each step of your Energy Efficiency upgrade. From identifying, strategizing, and completing projects at one or all of your business locations, we are here to help! EnerConnex is pleased to announce that we can help you with your Energy Efficiency upgrades regardless of where you are located within the United States.
Reach out to us today to get started on your Energy Efficiency journey! info@enerconnex.com
by Erin McAfee | Jan 3, 2022 | Uncategorized
Keep these cold weather tips in mind to help you and others stay safe during the winter season. Be sure to prepare before, act during and recover after inclement weather events.
- If using a space heater, be sure to keep it away from any flammable items.
- To help prevent pipes from freezing, turn water off if you’re not using it, wrap pipes in extra installation, or make sure the room is heated where inside pipes are located.
- Never use your oven or range top as a source to heat the building.
- Make sure your heating system, water heater and any other natural gas appliances are serviced and inspected annually by a qualified licensed professional.
- If using a fireplace, be sure to use a screen or cover to catch any embers or sparks that may fly out.
- Be sure to keep an eye on pets and elderly at this time as they may be susceptible to frostbite or hypothermia.
Stay safe!
