Featured Project

Wynndel Box and Lumber completes energy efficient upgrades
with assistance of FortisBC PowerSense

With FortisBC as a partner, Wynndel Box and Lumber recently upgraded its lighting system and added new energy efficient equipment and technology, saving thousands of dollars in electricity costs.

“These initiatives have already saved thousands of dollars in energy costs. In challenging economic times like these, it is important to be as efficient as possible, and we appreciate the support we have received from FortisBC on this project,” said Michael Wigen, general manager, Wynndel Box and Lumber.

As well as cost savings and energy efficiencies gained, the resulting maintenance savings of newer, more efficient lighting systems were significant.

FortisBC provided a $27,000 PowerSense rebate to Wynndel Box and Lumber near Creston, after the company incorporated energy efficient upgrades and technology in several areas of its mill and operations. The most significant component of the project was a new planer line and building. While the planer line comes standard from the manufacturer with high efficiency motors and some variable speed drives, Wynndel determined there were other savings by installing further energy efficient technologies into the operation.

Lighting upgrades have also resulted in significant electricity savings, and improved the lighting environment for employees. Better-positioned, brighter fixtures mean more appropriate lighting levels for the lumber grading work being done, resulting in a more comfortable environment for employees.

The total savings are expected to reach as much as $30,000 in electricity costs each year. This quates to more than 562,600 Kilowatt hours (KWhs) in electricity, enough to power about 41 homes for a year.

“FortisBC is pleased to recognize customers who show a commitment to reducing their energy consumption by adopting innovative and energy efficient technologies,” said Michael Mulcahy, Vice President of Customer and Corporate Services, FortisBC. “We commend Wynndel Box and Lumber for showing leadership in adopting energy efficient technologies.”

FortisBC PowerSense is committed to helping customers conserve energy and get the most out of their energy dollar by providing both financial incentives and advice on energy efficient technologies and practices. Since its inception in 1989, FortisBC PowerSense has helped southern interior customers save more than 300 million kWhs, enough energy to
power some 24,000 homes each year.

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