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Business Success Stories

Geotek - Stewartville, Minnesota

GeotekThe equation is simple: use less energy, do more for the environment – and your bottom line benefi ts, too. It’s a formula Geotek, a Minnesota
manufacturer and distributor of reinforced fi berglass products, is using successfully and the results are getting noticed.

The Stewartville, Minnesota, company recently received an Energy Smart Leader Award in recognition of signifi cant achievement in energy efficiency and energy conservation in their operations.

The Energy Smart program was created by Minnesota Waste Wise, to help small and medium sized businesses find ways to cut costs through energy efficiency.

Challenge
Geotek has achieved energy savings that benefit the company and the environment, but they couldn’t have done it without some help from their power company.

As with any business, cash is important and paying for the energy-efficiency measures takes upfront dollars before the long-term gains can be realized. That’s where IPL stepped in to assist the company.

Impact

Annual kWh savings: 1,854,557
Equivalent to annual power consumption of 28
typical American homes

Environmental impact of kWh savings:
Reduction in carbon dioxide emissions (lbs/year): 448
Equivalent to 37 fewer cars on the road

Alliant Energy has energy-efficiency programs that assist industrial, commercial and agricultural customers with identification and implementation of energy efficiency projects.

Solution
"Upgrading to more energy-efficient equipment is a good thing, but financing could have scuttled our plans," said Karl Clausen, Vice President
of Manufacturing.

Working with their Strategic Account Manager Rebecca Gisel, Geotek identified the Alliant Energy energy-efficiency program that would enable them to move forward with purchasing new equipment while conserving energy and reducing their annual energy costs.

Result
Geotek has worked with Alliant Energy on energy-efficiency upgrades for several years. Improvements include the addition of an energy-efficient hydraulic plant, air compressors and lighting upgrades.

GeotekGeotek uses feasibility studies to design strategic projects that also yield additional energy effi ciency. On the boards for later in the year is the installation of a new HVAC system and an innovative dust collection system which will save approximately 66,000 kWh. Additional lighting upgrades are planned that will save another 94,000 kWh.

“Companies like Geotek understand they can benefit from a more energy-efficient building while reducing their impact on the environment,” said Gisel. “That’s why this firm is worthy of recognition for the steps it has taken to realize sustainable energy-savings within its operations.”

Recommendation
Alliant Energy’s energy-efficiency programs continue to be instrumental in helping Geotek control their energy usage and reduce their energy bill by about $25,000 per year.

“As ‘green initiatives’ have become a more integral part of doing business, we are very pleased to partner with Alliant Energy on identifying ways we can conduct business that benefits our company, our customers and the environment,” emphasized Clausen.

Business and farm customers interested in learning more about energy-efficiency programs are encouraged to visit www.alliantenergy.com/business or call 1-800-373-1303 ext. 786-4320 for more information.

 

Additional customer profiles:

Download these Alliant Energy customer profiles to learn how other companies like yours are saving thousands in energy costs.

Cargill Meat Solutions – Ottumwa, Iowa
“New lighting is saving Cargill Meat Solutions nearly 1,855,000 kilowatt hours annually – the equivalent to electricity used by 185 typical American homes.”

Cedar Grove Cheese – Plain, Wisconsin
“Filling just one of the factory’s four 22,000-gallon vats with milk takes an hour, in addition to 24/7 refrigeration of the fresh cheese before it’s shipped. Through its partnership with Wisconsin Power and Light Co.’s (WPL) Shared Savings program, however, Cedar Grove Cheese has become one of the most energy-efficient and environmentally focused cheese factories in Wisconsin.”

Clipper Wind Power – Cedar Rapids, Iowa
“For demonstrating its commitment to energy conservation and reducing its carbon imprint, Clipper Wind Power qualified for nearly $120,000 in incentives from Alliant Energy.”

Gardner Cold Storage – Pittsville, Wisconsin
“Nothing goes to waste at Gardner Cold Storage – especially not energy.”

Geotek – Stewartville, Minnesota
"We are very pleased to partner with Alliant Energy-IPL on identifying various ways we can conduct business that benefits our company, our customers and the environment.”

Gorman and Company – Oregon, Wisconsin
“Gorman and Company’s historic renovation of the former Red Brick School in Oregon, Wis., will significantly reduce its environmental impact. Annually, the company will save 63,640 kilowatt-hours and 29,106 therms of natural gas… enough to power 16.8 average-sized homes for one year.”

Loras College – Dubuque, Iowa
“When Loras made the decision to build a new Wellness Center to meet the needs of competitive student-athletes, the college’s energy management team was determined to build a ‘green’ facility.”