At LPEA, our goal extends beyond just providing electricity. We're dedicated to ensuring reliable, affordable power for the future. How? By smartly managing energy use and costs with innovative technology.
Here's the plan: We move energy-heavy tasks to when energy rates are cheapest using remote technology. Think of it like scheduling your water heater to run overnight to save money. It's all part of our bigger strategy to keep costs down without compromising on service.
Our current focus and pilot project is the Animas View Mobile Park project. Thanks to $75,000 in funding, we've teamed up with 4CORE to put this idea into action. We've equipped homes with special air-source heat pump water heaters and other tech to make them more energy-efficient.
Why? We're testing how these smart technologies can balance local energy needs and cut costs for everyone involved. The cool part is these devices work with the grid, allowing us to see patterns and tweak energy use to avoid high-cost periods.
We've already installed twenty of these savvy water heaters in homes, and we're tracking how they work to make informed decisions for the future. There have been challenges, sure, but we're learning tons about fitting this tech into homes.
Exciting Updates & Lessons Learned: We performed a case study on this project and have also compiled our experiences and findings into a Technical Lessons Learned document. It highlights the unique challenges we faced, especially installing in the compact spaces of mobile homes. This real-world feedback is invaluable as we refine our approach.
These pilot projects are crucial. They show us if our ideas work on a small scale before we go bigger. It's all about boosting our strength, smarts, and affordability in the long run.
Looking Ahead: We're eager to see the full impact of the Animas View Project. Once we have enough data to understand its success in reducing energy costs, we can consider applying these strategies more broadly. We see this as a game-changer in how we manage energy efficiently.
This project reflects LPEA's core values, and we're excited about what's next for energy-saving initiatives. Stay tuned for more stories of innovation and progress!