For manufacturers, energy efficiency is about more than lowering utility bills. Strategic investments can reduce operating costs, improve equipment reliability and support long-term sustainability goals. Seifert Systems, a manufacturer of thermal management solutions headquartered at Quonset Business Park in North Kingstown, is demonstrating how targeted upgrades can deliver measurable results without major disruptions to daily operations. Through Quonset Development Corporation’s Strategic Energy Management Partnership with Rhode Island Energy, Seifert completed two energy-efficiency projects: upgrading facility lighting to high-efficiency LEDs and replacing aging electrical transformers. Together, the projects are expected to save more than 22,000 kilowatt-hours of electricity and over $4,500 annually, while Rhode Island Energy incentives covered more than 70% of the transformer project’s cost.
Seifert’s experience highlights the opportunities available to Rhode Island manufacturers looking to improve facility performance and manage energy expenses. Polaris also connects manufacturers with the U.S. Department of Energy’s On-Site Energy Technical Assistance Partnership (TAP). The program helps industrial and manufacturing facilities identify, evaluate and adopt clean energy technologies, including solar, wind, battery storage and geothermal systems. By combining technical assistance with available incentives and other energy resources, manufacturers can identify practical improvements that align with their operational needs and long-term business goals.
Whether a business is considering its first energy-efficiency upgrade or exploring larger clean energy investments, resources are available to help make those projects more accessible and cost-effective.Â
Want to learn more about various energy savings programs available to your business? Reach out to Polaris MEP Program manager, Rob Chipman.