Lapp Insulators Receives $27,000 Energy Efficiency Incentive
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Lapp Insulators Maintenance Planner Mike Myers, left, and Facilities Manager Ron Richards, right, show National Grid's Jay Snyder one of the three new pumps that had been installed to improve safety and reduce energy costs.
Lapp Insulators Co. LLC changed a decades-old process to incorporate new technology and equipment that results in energy savings, lower operating costs and a safer work environment. The changes also earned the LeRoy, N.Y.,-based company $27,000 in energy efficiency incentives from National Grid.
Lapp is a leading manufacturer of high-voltage insulators for electricity substations. The company recently replaced a 150-horsepower, high-pressure air compressor that had been used for 40 years with three Wilden Air diaphragm pumps to push 1.5 tons of liquid clay through its production lines. Lapp officials are pleased with the results, which include a 70% energy savings.
“This was a major change to our process,” said Facilities Manager Ron Richards, who worked with National Grid Energy Efficiency Specialist Jay Snyder to identify the opportunity and execute a plan to install the new pumps. “By collaborating with Jay and sharing ideas, we significantly improved our process, which means less downtime and more productivity. The new pumps make our employees and work environment safer, and we anticipate long-term operations cost and maintenance savings. We’re making higher quality products and are doing more with less.”
Richards said that the previous production process required approximately three times as much energy.
The aqua-colored, soft, squishy clay is the main ingredient that Lapp uses to shape, fire and glaze ceramic insulators that are used at electricity substations across North America. Around 130 people work at the LeRoy facility, which dates to 1916.
Funding for the Lapp project was provided through National Grid’s Energy Efficiency Program, which includes financial incentives for commercial and industrial customers who reduce electricity costs. Incentives are available for customers who install energy-efficient lighting, controls, HVAC equipment, motors/electronic speed controls and other systems that reduce energy use and/or enhance productivity.
About National Grid
National Grid (NYSE: NGG) is an electricity, natural gas, and clean energy delivery company serving more than 20 million people through our networks in New York and Massachusetts. National Grid is focused on building a smarter, stronger, cleaner energy future — transforming our networks with more reliable and resilient energy solutions to meet state climate goals and reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
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