BGE Helps Mars Super Markets
Boost Energy Efficiency
Commercial Plug Load Equipment
Commercial energy use associated with computers, task lighting and other “things plugged in,” known as plug load, has grown five-fold since the early 1990s. Plug load, HVAC, and vending machines—during periods of non-use— in schools, hospitals and unoccupied hotel rooms all contribute to unnecessary energy costs. Plug loads represent a significant portion of your energy use and can reduce the energy and cost savings potential of other steps you might be taking to improve energy efficiency. That’s where BGE’s Commercial Plug Load offering can help customers.
- Take advantage of incentives that cover 50%-75% of upgrade costs.
- Get a fast return on your investment—often in less than 2 years.
- Reduce your monthly energy costs.
Available Measures
BGE offers incentives for a variety of simple, low- or no-cost prescriptive measures to help businesses reduce their commercial plug loads:
- “Smart” power strips allow some receptacles to remain on while others are turned off, thereby reducing standby or phantom loads. A smart power strip can save an estimated $35-$40 in electric energy costs annually. At a typical cost of just $45-$50 per unit, payback is often less than 1.5 years.
- Personal occupancy sensors (on power strips) serve to de-energize certain loads, such as computer monitors, printers and task lighting, during periods when areas are unoccupied. They can save $40-$50 in annual electric energy costs. At an estimated cost of $80-$90 per unit, payback can be less than 2 years.
- Hotel room HVAC controls and hotel room HVAC/receptacle controls allow selected hotel room receptacle and HVAC loads to be de-energized during periods when rooms or spaces are unoccupied. These switches can reduce electric energy usage up to 40% when occupants are not present.
- Vending machine controls (refrigerated and non-refrigerated machines) will cycle refrigeration and lighting in vending machines during long periods of nonuse.
This program is open to all BGE commercial, industrial, government, institutional and non-profit customers. It is especially appropriate for K–12 schools, colleges and universities, hospitals, commercial real estate (medium and large office buildings) and the hospitality industry (lodging businesses).
