Aug 11 2014
ComEd today announced it is working with CenturyLink Technology Solutions on a multi-year energy efficiency project that will help the global communications and IT services company reduce the energy use of its Chicago CH2 data center by 7.4 million kilowatt hours (kWh) annually, or the equivalent of powering 800 homes.
The project is part of ComEd’s Smart Ideas for Your Business®energy efficiency program, which provides financial incentives and technical assistance to ComEd customers to help them become more sustainable. Data centers require a great deal of electricity to both power and cool digital equipment. The Chicago area is a desirable location for data centers, given its central location and convergence of fiber optic networks combined with ComEd’s top-performing electric reliability grid and Illinois’ low-cost competitive energy market.
“We are pleased to offer our customers a suite of energy-efficient programs that provide sustainable solutions for homeowners and businesses in Illinois that help them significantly lower their energy use and meet sustainability goals,” said Val Jensen, senior vice president of Customer Operations, ComEd. “Whether businesses are building new facilities, renovating or expanding, ComEd will work with them to achieve a permanent reduction in electrical usage.”
CenturyLink Technology Solutions initiated the multi-year project to upgrade and overhaul the majority of CH2’s mechanical equipment, serving the 125,000-square-foot data center. This project will help the company continue its global green data center commitment by reducing the power usage effectiveness (PUE) of CH2. In addition, CenturyLink will use the financial incentives from ComEd to upgrade data center CRAC units with VFDs (variable frequency drives), improve cooling tower performance, optimize data center operating temperatures, and airflow management.
“We are honored to be recognized by ComEd for our commitment to lower the PUE of our Chicago data center footprint,” said Joel Stone, vice president, global data center operations, CenturyLink Technology Solutions. “At CenturyLink, we are doing our part to ensure the long-term health of the environment, joining with consumers and businesses to promote and practice the intelligent use of resources.”
Since the creation of ComEd’s Smart Ideas for Your Business energy efficiency program in 2008, ComEd estimates area businesses have saved more than $320 million in electricity costs and reduced their energy usage by more than 4.2 billion kWh. The result of this clean energy initiative is equivalent to energizing 465,000 homes for one entire year.
Additional solutions offered through Smart Ideas for Your Business include:
Lighting– Lighting is a major electricity expense and can account for 30 to 60 percent of annual electric costs for businesses. ComEd offers cash incentives for energy-efficient lighting, including fixture replacements and retrofits, sensors and controls. Incentives for indoor and outdoor lighting, including signage are also available.
New Construction - For businesses or design firms that are in the early design stages of a new construction, addition or major renovation project, the ComEd New Construction Service, in coordination with Nicor Gas, provides financial incentives and technical assistance to encourage design teams and building owners to surpass standard practices and exceed energy code requirements.
Small Business Energy Savings - Small business owners can receive free energy assessments and technical services to help generate savings that go straight to the bottom line. ComEd offers generous incentives towards the recommended energy efficiency upgrades – such as lighting, LED exit signs and energy-efficient water heater installation. The program will also assign a trained trade ally to help business owners complete the process by providing energy-efficient upgrades from start to finish.
Source: https://www.comed.com/