GE Launches PowerOn™ Precision to Deliver Real-life Benefits of Managing the Demand and Supply of Power on the Electric Grid

Press release:

18 September 2012

GE Launches PowerOn™ Precision to Deliver Real-life Benefits of Managing the Demand and Supply of Power on the Electric Grid

 

SAN DIEGO—September 18, 2012—A current challenge utilities face—reducing the rise in peak demand along with its high costs—just became easier. Utilities will welcome GE’s (NYSE: GE) new PowerOn^TM Precision demand optimization technology to help ensure a more energy-efficient, reliable grid with economic benefits to both energy providers and consumers.

PowerOn Precision is a demand response management system that allows GE utilities to manage peak demand and/or provide support for grid stability and operations. The new technology is a comprehensive solution that uses proven GE software and continuous-learning algorithms to deliver dynamic pricing incentives and direct load control capabilities to consumers. Designed with open standards and a modular architecture that increases the functionality, flexibility and ease of integrating future technologies into the system, this solution delivers real-life benefits of greater power reliability, a cleaner energy mix and consumer empowerment. Utilities can reduce operational costs while consumers can lower their electric bills as the smart grid becomes more efficient.

By empowering consumers, PowerOn Precision helps contribute to economic development and a greener use of energy. Residential, commercial and industrial consumers will be able to participate in rate programs to adjust their energy usage and make other consumption-changing moves. In many cases, they can qualify for energy discounts and bonuses that lower their electric bills without affecting their way of life. The result is a better balance of power demand with available power supply to meet peak-time loads. GE’s smarter solution optimizes the load while minimizing the impact on participating customers.

“Today’s energy challenges are making us re-think how we deliver energy,” said Mike Carlson, general manager−smart grid solutions for GE Energy Management’s Digital Energy business. “Increased peak demands, growing grid constraints and power interruptions are costly to global businesses. The demand optimization technology that utilities can implement will enable more reliable, efficient and cleaner energy, spurring economic development and improving lifestyles.”

PowerOn Precision enables several forms of communication—from home energy portals and smart appliances to building management systems, electric vehicle charging stations and other energy management systems. The solution will help lower the peaks of energy demand that occur throughout each day and during energy-intensive events, such as heat waves, adjusting the most practical loads at the right time and locations.

As PowerOn Precision continues to be implemented across the U.S., Europe and other regions, GE’s technology will help utility partners better manage the demand side of business, enable consumers to make smarter energy decisions and power a more productive and sustainable energy future.

GE Energy Management’s Digital Energy business is a global leader in protection and control, communications, power sensing and power quality solutions. Its products and services increase the reliability of electrical power networks and critical equipment for utility, industrial and large commercial customers. From protecting and optimizing assets such as generators, transmission lines and motors, to ensuring secure wireless data transmission and providing uninterruptible power, GE Energy Management’s Digital Energy business delivers industry-leading technologies to solve the unique challenges of each customer. For more information, visithttp://www.gedigitalenergy.com.

About GE
GE (NYSE: GE) works on things that matter. The best people and the best technologies taking on the toughest challenges. Finding solutions in energy, health and home, transportation and finance. Building, powering, moving and curing the world. Not just imagining. Doing. GE works. For more information, visit the company's website at www.ge.com.

Follow GE Energy Management’s Digital Energy business on Twitter@YourSmartGrid.

GE Introduces a New Level of Intelligence for Overhead Electric Distribution Networks

Press release:

06 September 2012

GE Introduces a New Level of Intelligence for Overhead Electric Distribution Networks

 

• A Simple-to-Install, Cost-Effective, End-to-End Solution that Enables a Utility to Improve the Reliability and Maximize the Efficiency of Its Existing Distribution Networks
• Delivers Accurate, Time-Synchronized Data from the Network to Mobilizes Repair Crews to Restore Power more Quickly
• Identifies Maximum Network Capacity that Can be Utilized on Existing Subtransmission and Distribution Networks

MARKHAM, ONTARIO—September 6, 2012—GE Energy Management (NYSE: GE) announces the release of its Multilin™ Intelligent Line Monitoring System, an end-to-end overhead line monitoring solution with advanced analytics that provide actionable intelligence to distribution utilities for improving the reliability and efficiency of their networks. GE’s innovative solution enables utilities to maximize network throughput, reduce outage duration through accurate determination of fault location and optimize maintenance activities on assets when needed.

“With increasing demands on the distribution network and the emergence of distributed generation technologies and electric vehicles, increasing the information available in an economical manner is the key to enabling greater improvements in distribution reliability and efficiency,” said Juan Macias, general manager—Grid Automation for GE Energy Management’s Digital Energy business.

Installing GE’s Intelligent Line Monitoring System helps utilities solve multiple key challenges. This solution reduces network downtime by providing utilities with visibility of faulted and soon-to-be faulted circuits. The solution’s advanced analytics allow utilities to dispatch crews effectively to address network disturbances. In addition, the system also dynamically rates the feeders to allow for maximization of throughput while helping ensure safety due to increased sag conditions.

“An intelligent line monitoring system gives you a reliable starting point for locating and sectionalizing faults. This improves supply continuity and enhances public safety by precise dispatching of the fault response crew,” says Martin Hand, operations policy and safety engineer, ESB Networks, Ireland.

For more information on GE Energy Management’s full Distribution Automation portfolio please visit:
http://gedigitalenergy.com/IndSolutions/ind_distAutomation.htm.

About GE
GE (NYSE: GE) works on things that matter. The best people and the best technologies taking on the toughest challenges. Finding solutions in energy, health and home, transportation and finance. Building, powering, moving and curing the world. Not just imagining. Doing. GE works. For more information, visit the company's website at www.ge.com.

Follow GE’s Digital Energy business on Twitter @YourSmartGrid.

GE to Provide Cleaner, Efficient Power for China’s Zhejiang Province

Press release:

04 September 2012

GE to Provide Cleaner, Efficient Power for China’s Zhejiang Province

 

• 6FA Technology Selected for Three Distributed Energy Projects
• GE to Provide Approximately 575 Additional Megawatts of Power
• High Cogeneration Efficiency, Low Emissions Plants to Replace Older Coal Units

BEIJING, CHINA—September 4, 2012—GE (NYSE: GE) will supply five Frame 6FA gas turbine-generators for three power plants in China’s Zhejiang Province that will help to meet the province’s strong power needs. Designed for high efficiency and low emissions, all three projects support the provincial government’s initiative to develop gas turbine cogeneration plants to replace less efficient coal-fired boilers in order to reduce environmental impact and increase energy efficiency in the region.

GE will provide two 6FA gas turbine-generators to Harbin Electric Corporation, the main equipment contractor for a combined-cycle power plant in Jiangshan county owned by Datang International Power Generation, Ltd. The plant will be a key energy supplier for the Jiangshan area. GE also will supply similar equipment for a facility in Quzhou city owned by Quzhou Puxing, a subsidiary of Wanxiang Group, which will supply power for the Quzhou Kecheng economic development zone. Each of these plants will produce up to 230 megawatts of power with a thermal efficiency of 53.5 percent in combined-cycle operation and up to approximately 80 percent in cogeneration mode. A typical coal-fired plant of similar size operates at efficiency levels around 30 percent.

In addition, GE will provide one 6FA gas turbine-generator for a power plant near Huzhou city owned by Amber Energy Co. Ltd. That plant, a key energy supplier for the Anji economic development zone, will have an output capacity of 115 megawatts.

When they enter commercial operation in December 2012, the three new plants will produce a total of approximately 575 megawatts of power in Zhejiang province, alleviating this year’s power shortage of approximately 7000 megawatts and securing the process heating supply for related industries in the area. Natural gas from China’s landmark West-to-East Pipeline II will be the primary fuel for each plant.

“Each project will meet the electricity and heating demands of the surrounding industrial areas and residential districts with limited environmental impact, compared with older technology plants,” said Walter Wang, GM, thermal enterprise commercial for GE Power & Water. “With their midrange output, high efficiency, high exhaust energy for steam production and low emissions, our 6FA gas turbines are an excellent match for distributed energy applications such as these.”

In a distributed energy project, electricity and heat are generated on-site, at or near the point of use. This is a highly reliable source of energy and eliminates the cost and the risk associated with distributing power from a centralized power plant over long distances.

The 6FA gas turbine is a mid-sized version of GE’s widely used 7FA and 9FA gas turbines. Designed for 50 or 60 hertz grids, the gear-driven 6FA gas turbine addresses mid-sized power block needs with high performance. Its output range, high exhaust energy, full packaging and robust design make the 6FA well suited for a wide range of distributed energy applications, including industrial cogeneration and district heating. More than 140 6FA gas turbines have been sold worldwide. The 6FA is ecomagination- qualified.Ecomagination is GE’s commitment to providing innovative solutions that maximize resources, drive efficiencies and help make the world work better.

About GE
GE (NYSE: GE) works on things that matter. The best people and the best technologies taking on the toughest challenges. Finding solutions in energy, health and home, transportation and finance. Building, powering, moving and curing the world. Not just imagining. Doing. GE works. For more information, visit the company's website at www.ge.com.

Follow GE Power & Water and ecomagination on Twitter @GE_PowerWaterand @ecomagination.

GE Unveils the First Tier 4 Heavy-Haul Locomotive

Press release:

24 August 2012

GE Unveils the First Tier 4 Heavy-Haul Locomotive

 

· Cleanest, smartest and most fuel-efficient diesel-electric Evolution® Series Locomotive for heavy-haul freight will meet EPA Tier 4 emission requirements

· Breakthrough diesel engine technology to reduce key emissions by more than 70 percent

· Enables freight railroads to save more than $1.5 billion in infrastructure and operating costs

· Locomotives designed and developed in partnership with GE’s U.S. rail customers, and manufactured domestically

· Investment of $600 million over eight years to hone cutting-edge technology

ERIE, Pa.--24 August 2012-- GE Transportation (NYSE: GE) today unveiled the prototype for its next Evolution® Series Locomotive that will decrease constituent emissions by more than 70 percent and save railroad customers more than $1.5 billion in infrastructure and operational costs¹. GE expects that the locomotive will be the first in the industry to meet the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) stringent “Tier 4” emission standards, which call for the single-largest emission reduction in the tiered program’s timeline. The new locomotive will meet this standard with technological advancements versus costly alternatives, which require special exhaust additives and infrastructure investments.

This new locomotive is part of GE’s ecomagination-qualified Evolution SeriesLocomotive family – the best-selling global locomotive platform. Today, more than 5,000 Evolution Series Locomotives operate in the U.S. and globally, allowing railroads to move one ton of freight more than 480 miles on a single gallon of fuel. This new engine technology is the result of an initial six-year, $400 million investment, followed by a two-year, $200 million investment to hone the research, design and engineering to meet Tier 4 standards.

Lorenzo Simonelli, President and CEO of GE Transportation said, “GE Transportation continues to challenge what is possible and reshape the future of the rail industry in the United States. Thanks to the tireless efforts of our employees and the collaboration with our customers, we are the first in the industry to offer a solution that meets the next phase of the EPA’s emissions standards. Our technology is good for our customers and better for the environment.”

Tom Corbett, Governor of Pennsylvania said, "This is another example of the innovation and ingenuity of the Erie workforce and GE. My administration firmly believes we can be successful in business while also safeguarding our environment and this advancement does exactly that. Congratulations to the GE Transportation team on this milestone achievement."

The EPA has introduced “Tier 4” industry standards that require reduction of locomotive emissions to curb the potential environmental effects typically associated with these emissions. Effective in 2015, the EPA will require manufacturers of locomotive diesel engines to lower particulate emissions 70 percent and NOx 76 percent, compared to engines first introduced in 2005. Alternative solutions would likely rely on the use of a Urea exhaust additive to meet these Tier 4 emission standards, requiring railroads to build an extensive network of fueling stations across North America. As a result of GE’s diesel engine combustion research and innovative technology, GE’s Evolution Series Locomotive will not require the additive and railroad customers will not have to incur the costs related to rail infrastructure upgrades.

U.S. Transportation Deputy Secretary John Porcari said, “Rail manufacturing is a critical part of President Obama’s commitment to revitalizing American manufacturing, creating jobs, and building a safer, faster, and more efficient national transportation systems. Since the beginning of 2011, GE Transportation has announced more than 2,000 new U.S. jobs, which is great news for workers and the local economy. Rail manufacturing companies, including GE, are helping to build better, safer transportation networks and a stronger economic foundation for years to come.”

Powered by Collaboration

This new locomotive technology is a prime example of how GE works together with its customers to develop solutions that help make the world work better. GE gathered inputs from its North American Class I railroad customers concerning safety, reliability, fuel usage and operational needs, and then partnered with its operations and maintenance teams to test the new design’s real-world functionality. These sessions generated invaluable feedback around accessibility of parts, the layout and design, and above all safety.

In addition, GE applied the breadth and depth of technical expertise from its Global Research Center and other GE businesses to develop the Evolution Series engine, enhancing key engine systems and components, as well as other support systems. These changes will enhance the locomotive’s pulling capability, performance, emission reductions and fuel efficiency.

American Innovation at Work

GE Transportation plans to build its Tier 4 Evolution Series Locomotives at one or both of its U.S. locomotive manufacturing sites in Erie, PA and Fort Worth, TX. GE will produce its Tier 4 compliant diesel engines at its manufacturing plant in Grove City, PA. GE Transportation currently has approximately 6,350 employees in Northwestern Pennsylvania, including 5,500 at its Erie site and 850 at its Grove City site.

About GE

GE (NYSE: GE) works on things that matter. The best people and the best technologies taking on the toughest challenges. Finding solutions in energy, health and home, transportation and finance. Building, powering, moving and curing the world. Not just imagining. Doing. GE works. For more information, visit the company's website at www.ge.com.

About GE Transportation

GE Transportation, a unit of GE (NYSE: GE), solves the world’s toughest transportation challenges. GE Transportation builds equipment that moves the rail, mining and marine industries. Our fuel-efficient and lower-emissions freight and passenger locomotives, diesel engines for rail, marine and stationary power applications, signaling and software solutions, drive systems for mining trucks, underground mining equipment, energy storage systems, and value-added services help customers grow. GE Transportation has approximately 12,000 employees worldwide. For more information visit the company's website at www.getransportation.com.

¹ US EPA Publication EPA420-R-08-001a, May 2008

The City of Los Angeles Has Its Spotlight on Energy Efficiency

From the blog of the U.S. Dept. of Energy:

http://energy.gov/articles/city-los-angeles-has-its-spotlight-energy-efficiency

GE Launches a New High Accuracy Power and Energy Meter for the Building Automation Industry

Press release:

18 July 2012

GE Launches a New High Accuracy Power and Energy Meter for the Building Automation Industry

 

• Enables Rapid Integration into BACnet Management Systems
• Users Can Read Energy and Meter Data Remotely through a Web Interface
• Provides Easy Access to Metered Data and Power Quality Status with EnerVista™ Software

MARKHAM, ONTARIO— July 18, 2012—GE (NYSE: GE) today announces the release of the Multilin™ EPM 6010, a high accuracy, revenue-class power meter that can communicate using both the BACnet/IP and Modbus TCP protocols.

The BACnet protocol is used today in building automation projects to integrate HVAC, lighting, elevators and other devices to building management systems to better control energy usage and costs. The EPM 6010 provides accurate and timely energy use data allowing the automation system to better respond to changes in demand. The Multilin EPM 6010 gives building management systems access to an impressive 40 predefined BACnet objects, which allows the meter to seamlessly integrate into the automation system. In addition to BACnet, the meter’s Web interface allows users to track energy usage remotely with a standard browser, and the Modbus TCP interface permits interoperability with HMI software such as Multilin EnerVista™ Viewpoint Monitoring.

Along with its advanced communications capabilities, the EPM 6010 meter provides true RMS multifunction measurements including voltage, current, power, frequency and 0.2 percent energy accuracy in compliance with modern IEC and ANSI accuracy standards.

GE Energy has more than 20 years of experience and innovation in industrial power meters and industrial energy management solutions. The larger portfolio of GE meters, communications equipment and energy management software solutions helps customers utilize power efficiently and economically by building a fully integrated energy management solution.

For more information about GE’s Multilin EPM 6010 please visit:http://www.gedigitalenergy.com.

About GE

GE (NYSE: GE) works on things that matter. The best people and the best technologies taking on the toughest challenges. Finding solutions in energy, health and home, transportation and finance. Building, powering, moving and curing the world. Not just imagining. Doing. GE works. For more information, visit the company's website at www.ge.com.

GE Energy works connecting people and ideas everywhere to create advanced technologies for powering a cleaner, more productive world. With more than 100,000 employees in over 100 countries, our diverse portfolio of product and service solutions and deep industry expertise help our customers solve their challenges locally. We serve the energy sector with technologies in such areas as natural gas, oil, coal and nuclear energy; wind, solar, biogas and water processing; energy management; and grid modernization. We also offer integrated solutions to serve energy- and water-intensive industries such as mining, metals, marine, petrochemical, food & beverage and unconventional fuels.

Follow GE Energy on Twitter @GE_Energy.

GE, the GE monogram, Multilin and EnerVistaare are trademarks of the General Electric Company.

GE Fills Walgreens Prescription for Vibrant Lighting and Energy Efficiency

News release from General Electric:

12 July 2012

GE Fills Walgreens Prescription for Vibrant Lighting and Energy Efficiency

 

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EAST CLEVELAND, Ohio — July 12, 2012 — (NYSE:GE) — When consumers walk into their neighborhood Walgreens (NYSE, NASDAQ: WAG) store, they may notice a difference as they walk down the aisles. Nail polish on cosmetic shelves may appear more vibrant and magazine covers may be easier to read. GE Lighting helped Walgreens recently upgrade its general lighting across 80 percent of its nationwide locations. The change is subtle, but noticeable to customers and to Walgreens' energy budget.

“Creating the very best shopping experience for our customers is our top priority, and lighting helps us achieve that goal,” said Tim Schmid, divisional vice president of facilities management, energy and sustainability with Walgreens. “With our new lighting upgrade, colors appear more vibrant and more like they would in daylight, so customers don’t need to second guess themselves in the cosmetics aisle. Plus, the change is saving us money and energy at the same time.”

Walgreens new lighting initiative meant installing lamps with a higher color temperature and color rendering index (CRI), causing tones to appear more vivid and vibrant. Because different types of light produce different color temperatures, lighting can affect how shoppers perceive the colors of different products. Color accuracy at a store widely known for its cosmetics selection is critical.

New linear fluorescent fixtures from GE Lighting will increase energy efficiency by nine percent and extend re-lamp cycles by 10 percent. Walgreens achieved greater energy efficiency by switching from 28-watt to new 25-watt GE F25 T8 linear fluorescent tubes. Though the difference in wattage is only three watts per light, the change means thousands of dollars saved as it impacts more than 4.3 million lights at nearly 7,000 stores.

Walgreens was recently recognized with GE’s annual ‘Retailer of the Year’ award in 2011 for demonstrating how energy-efficient lighting can improve the visual aesthetics of a store. The nation’s largest drugstore chain is also GE’s largest employer of F25 technology.

For more information on the GE Lighting products used by Walgreens, visitwww.gelightingsolutions.com.

About Walgreens
Walgreens (www.walgreens.com) is the nation's largest drugstore chain with fiscal 2011 sales of $72 billion. The company operates 7,907 drugstores in all 50 states, the District of Columbia and Puerto Rico. Each day, Walgreens provides nearly 6 million customers the most convenient, multichannel access to consumer goods and services and trusted, cost-effective pharmacy, health and wellness services and advice in communities across America. Walgreens’ scope of pharmacy services includes retail, specialty, infusion, medical facility and mail service, along with respiratory services. These services improve health outcomes and lower costs for payers including employers, managed care organizations, health systems, pharmacy benefit managers and the public sector. Take Care Health Systems is a Walgreens subsidiary that is the largest and most comprehensive manager of worksite health and wellness centers and in-store convenient care clinics, with more than 700 locations throughout the country. 

About GE Lighting
GE Lighting invents with the vigor of its founder Thomas Edison to develop energy-efficient solutions that change the way people light their world in commercial, industrial, municipal and residential settings. The business employs over 17,000 people in more than 100 countries, and sells products under the Reveal® and Energy Smart® consumer brands, and Evolve ™, GTx, Immersion ™, Infusion ™, Lumination™ and Tetra® commercial brands, all trademarks of GE. General Electric (NYSE: GE) works on things that matter to build a world that works better. For more information, visitwww.gelighting.com.

GE Introduces Major Energy Efficiency Breakthrough for Desalination Plants

Press release:

02 July 2012

GE Introduces Major Energy Efficiency Breakthrough for Desalination Plants

 

• GE’s IPER System Reduces Energy Demands of Desalination Pumping by at Least 10 Percent
• New Positive Displacement Pump Significantly Lowers Energy Use of Larger Desalination Plants
• GE Continues to Drive Innovation in the Global Water Treatment and Reuse Segments

Singapore International Water WeekBooth #PO2

SINGAPORE—July 2, 2012—GE (NYSE: GE) today introduced its newIntegrated Pump and Energy Recovery (IPER) system, a major engineering breakthrough that overcomes a significant technical obstacle for larger desalination facilities by reducing the energy demands associated with pumping water by at least 10 percent.

GE announced its breakthrough IPER solution during the 2012 Singapore International Water Week in Singapore.

Considerable progress has been made in membrane and energy recovery device improvements, dramatically lowering the energy requirement of seawater reverse osmosis (SWRO) desalination plants over the past 10 years. Until now, energy efficient positive displacement (PD) pumps have been able to achieve significant energy savings in smaller desalination operations. Meanwhile, modest improvements to large, conventional centrifugal pumps have been able to deliver only incremental energy savings.

However, with IPER, GE is offering a new positive displacement pump system that will significantly lower energy requirements for large desalination plants.
Water and Sewerage Corporation, a desalination facility in Tarpum Bay, Bahamas, has installed a pilot IPER system to further demonstrate the efficiency and reliability of the technology.

“IPER is designed to offer customers reliable uptime for their packaged desalination water treatment plants while reducing their energy costs in a significant and quantifiable way,” said Heiner Markhoff, president and CEO—water and process technologies for GE Power & Water. “IPER represents a major economic and technical break-through that is poised to help desalination operators play an even greater role in addressing the world’s mounting water scarcity problems.”

The Earth’s surface is 70 percent water, yet less than 1 percent of it is usable. With water scarcity already affecting one in five people around the world—a number that is expected to climb to three in five within 20 years—IPER illustrates GE’s ongoing commitment to drive innovation in the global water treatment and reuse, enabling the delivery of cleaner water where it is needed most.

Lower-capacity desalination plants have often utilized PD pumps because of their high efficiency and availability. These small but efficient pumps are based on the use of a fixed geometry and either rotating axial pistons or crank-driven pistons to pressurize water in the chambers. As the size and pumping capacity of these chambers increase, these smaller PD pumps face mechanical challenges. As a result, previous larger PD pumps have either featured a larger crankshaft or high crankshaft speeds to overcome these mechanical challenges. But due to the larger size and operating speeds, these solutions have led to significant vibration and maintenance issues.

IPER solves these problems by eliminating the crankshaft and replacing it with a unique hydraulic drive system for both functions. This hydraulic drive powers three double acting pistons in the water displacement unit and does this at very slow cycle speeds as compared to traditional PD pumps.

These innovations allow larger SWRO systems that today use less efficient centrifugal pumps to incorporate IPER positive displacement pumps in the future. Since positive displacement pumps are typically used on systems with a capacity of less than 1,000 m³/day, this offers opportunities for any plant of 1,000 m³/day or larger to achieve substantial energy savings.

IPER is the latest solution to join GE’s industry leading desalination platform, which also features innovative membrane technologies that transform seawater and brackish water into fresh water for drinking, irrigation and industrial applications. GE’s versatile, energy efficient SWRO andelectrodialysis reversal technologies produce water reliably and affordably while accommodating a range of sizes, across continents, for almost any salt or brackish water source.

Since RO facilities typically require 53 percent less energy than thermal desalination facilities, IPER’s introduction underscores how GE is committed to helping desalination operators reduce their energy costs during both the filtration and pumping stages.

About GE
GE (NYSE: GE) works on things that matter. The best people and the best technologies taking on the toughest challenges. Finding solutions in energy, health and home, transportation and finance. Building, powering, moving and curing the world. Not just imagining. Doing. GE works. For more information, visit the company's website at www.ge.com.

GE Energy works connecting people and ideas everywhere to create advanced technologies for powering a cleaner, more productive world. With more than 100,000 employees in over 100 countries, our diverse portfolio of product and service solutions and deep industry expertise help our customers solve their challenges locally. We serve the energy sector with technologies in such areas as natural gas, oil, coal and nuclear energy; wind, solar, biogas and water processing; energy management; and grid modernization. We also offer integrated solutions to serve energy- and water-intensive industries such as mining, metals, marine, petrochemical, food & beverage and unconventional fuels.

Follow GE Energy on Twitter @GE_Energy.

Southern Supermarket Chain Rings Up $235,000 in Energy Savings with Full Cart of GE Lighting Solutions

Press release:

26 June 2012

Southern Supermarket Chain Rings Up $235,000 in Energy Savings with Full Cart of GE Lighting Solutions

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EAST CLEVELAND, Ohio – June 21, 2012 – (NYSE:GE) – Brookshire Brothers (Lufkin, Texas) operates 72 retail supermarkets in an area covering Texas and Louisiana. Supporting its simple mission to “Create a satisfied customer!” the company recently launched a facility-wide lighting update including in-store, parking lot, exterior signage and refrigerated case fixtures. Using a myriad of new linear fluorescent lighting (LFL) and LED technologies from GE Lighting, Brookshire Brothers will, once all of its stores have been completed, reduce its annual operating costs more than $235,000 while establishing a model for energy-efficient lighting renovations at its stores.

“When we looked at options to impact our total energy costs, we identified several areas at different stores where new lighting, including LED fixtures, made a compelling case, both indoors and out,” said Eric Johnson, director of construction for Brookshire Brothers. “Shortly after we met with our GE Lighting team to understand the anticipated electricity and maintenance savings, then made what was an easy decision to move forward.”

Indoor retrofits return significant savings…Re-lamping of linear fluorescent lighting (LFL) fixtures is now complete at 69 Brookshire Brothers locations where GE’s more energy-efficient 28-watt T8 has replaced 32-watt bulbs in approximately 450 four-lamp fixtures per 30,000-square-foot supermarket. These efforts include the replacement of existing ballasts with GE’s high-efficiency UltraMax® electronic ballasts as needed. Each UltraMax ballast installed will create additional energy savings of approximately eight watts per fixture.

Brookshire Brothers will save an average $3,200 per store per year in electricity expense after switching to GE’s 28-watt solution – a more than $220,000 annual cost benefit to the company based on a $.09 kWh electricity rate and 12 hours use per day. The company plans to explore even more efficient 25-watt GE lamps and UltraStart® ballasts to suit future needs.

Outdoor area light efficiency adds up…Five supermarket parking lots, including company headquarters, have thus far been retrofit with GE Evolve™ LED Area Lights, bringing high-quality white illumination and energy savings to these spaces. Brookshire Brothers first worked closely with GE to create improved new lighting designs in the lots. GE’s 210-watt Area Lights displaced 400-watt high-intensity discharge (HID) fixtures in two lots while in the others, 1,000-watt HIDs were replaced by 270-watt Area Lights.

As a result of this substantial watts-per-fixture reduction, Brookshire Brothers will save more than $14,000 annually in electricity costs and further stands to diminish maintenance time and expense. Where its 400- and 1,000-watt HID fixtures had been rated for 20,000- and 15,000-hours life respectively, GE’s new Area Lights have a rated life of 50,000 hours.

Other LED installations cut cost…Brookshire Brothers’ outdoor lighting updates further included aesthetically attractive Wallighter™ Luminaires mounted on buildings for extra security around entrances and walkways. Several locations have also incorporated GE Tetra® LED Lighting Systems to complement the enhanced exterior appearance of the stores. Delivering up to 80 percent energy savings, reduced maintenance and long service life, GE’s commercial signage technology provides more uniform light compared to traditional fluorescent and neon options.

GE’s Immersion™ RV40 LED lighting is meanwhile enhancing color and light-level uniformity in refrigerated display cases in four Brookshire Brothers locations, which house 100 frozen food doors on average. GE’s lighting system virtually eliminates distracting light-source glare and wasteful light spill typical of fluorescent-equipped displays. The LED lights will deliver a 60 percent energy reduction and are rated for 50,000-hours life – four times longer than the fluorescent lighting they replaced.

“When I walk into a store that hasn’t been converted, I know I’ll find at least seven doors that aren’t lit for one reason or another,” explains Johnson. “Our electrical contractor told me, ‘You wouldn’t believe how much of the work we do for you is to repair fluorescent door lighting.’ In the stores that have been converted everything is lit 100 percent of the time. That adds up to sales right there.”

Johnson further plans to specify Immersion LED lighting in a forthcoming conversion of medium-temperature open cases to closed-door cases in a number of stores.

Additionally, wine displays in two stores have been lit with GE’s energy smart® LED Replacement Lamps, ideal for applications in which a narrow, focused beam spread is preferred. Forty-five 75-watt halogen lamps (940 lumens) in each store were changed to long-life GE 10-watt PAR30 LED floodlights (500 lumens). Previously, Brookshire Brothers had replaced an average 50 halogen bulbs per location each year. Now, the company will count $3,200 in combined annual energy and maintenance savings, meaning GE’s wine display lighting solution will pay for itself after only 13 months.

GE’s energy smart® LED Replacement Lamps will soon be added to several other supermarket displays as well to continue the optical enrichment of customers’ shopping experience.

“The store directors have all been impressed,” Johnson said. “The parking lots shine, the signage is crisper and the colors of the products show much better. There have only been very positive comments. I feel we’ve found our standard for lighting moving forward.

“In each case where new LED lighting was specified, it was easy to support that decision financially through decreased energy consumption, reduced maintenance, increased dependability and extended lamp life.”

Johnson added that GE’s LED lighting solutions will be considered in time for 32 convenience store locations also operated by Brookshire Brothers.

High efficiency LEDs and fluorescent lamps come in a range of brightness options. For more information about the GE Lighting products used in this project, visit www.gelightingsolutions.com.

About Brookshire BrothersFounded in 1921, Brookshire Brothers has 72 retail supermarkets in predominantly rural markets and in the outskirts of the Houston metro area. With 6,000 employee-owners in two states, the company is also one of the largest retail outlets of Conoco fuel. Brookshire Brothers also operates thirty Polk Pick It Up convenience stores in the markets it serves.

About GE Lighting
GE Lighting invents with the vigor of its founder Thomas Edison to develop energy-efficient solutions that change the way people light their world in commercial, industrial, municipal and residential settings. The business employs over 17,000 people in more than 100 countries, and sells products under the Reveal^® and Energy Smart^® consumer brands, and Evolve™, GTx, Immersion ™, Infusion ™, Lumination^™ and Tetra^® commercial brands, all trademarks of GE. General Electric (NYSE: GE) works on things that matter to build a world that works better. For more information, visit www.gelighting.com.

Press release:

Lockheed Martin, DOE Funds to Support Alliance to Save Energy Program at 3 Prince George’s Public Schools

Pilot 2011-12 Green Schools Program Deemed Great Success

WASHINGTON, June 13, 2012 – Lockheed Martin and a local energy efficiency program have committed to the continued funding of the Alliance to Save Energy’sGreen Schools program in three Prince George’s County, Md. public schools based on the measurable energy and cost savings achieved by a pilot program.

Starting in December, more than 50 second to eighth graders formed “Green Teams,” learned about energy sources, use and measurement – and how they, along with faculty and maintenance staff, could reduce their schools’ energy use and costs. Their efforts resulted in a nearly 12 percent reduction that saved $3,968 in February and March at University Park and Hyattsville Elementary Schools and Nicholas Orem Middle School.

STEP-UP, the U.S. Department of Energy-funded Small Town Energy Program for University Park, has provided support and logistics at its neighborhood elementary school this year and will fully fund the Green Schools program there next year. STEP-UP’s goal is to improve energy efficiency by 20 percent in at least 20 percent of University Park’s homes.

“We are thrilled with our preliminary program results and with this ‘vote of confidence’ from Lockheed Martin and STEP-UP,” said Alliance Vice President for Education Merrilee Harrigan. We look forward to even more savings – and more awareness of energy efficiency in the schools and in the wider communities – in the coming school year.”

“Lockheed Martin understands the importance of building strong science, technology, engineering and math skills at an early age,” said Lockheed Martin’s Director of Energy Programs Roger Flanagan. “Through this program, we hope to inspire the students to not only continue applying their knowledge of energy efficiency elsewhere, but also to think about future careers in engineering.”

“This program allowed students to have hands-on learning experiences,” said Prince George’s County Public Schools Board of Education member Amber Waller. “But more importantly, it provided them opportunities to work as a team with other students and school staff to make a difference in the way schools use energy, to develop and interpret data and share recommendations, to report on savings and achievements and to educate and engage parents and community members.”

For more information about the Alliance to Save Energy’s Green Schools Program, visit http://ase.org/programs/green-schools-program.

Lockheed Martin is an Associate member of the Alliance, a nonprofit that promotes energy efficiency. For more information about Lockheed Martin’s Energy Solutions, visit http://www.lockheedmartin.com/energysolutions

The Alliance to Save Energy is a coalition of prominent business, government, environmental and consumer leaders who promote the efficient and clean use of energy worldwide to benefit consumers, the environment, the economy and national security.

Headquartered in Bethesda, Md., Lockheed Martin is a global security and aerospace company that employs about 123,000 people worldwide and is principally engaged in the research, design, development, manufacture, integration and sustainment of advanced technology systems, products and services. The Corporation’s net sales for 2011 were $46.5 billion.

Western Washington Water Heater Rebate Puts a Fast $500 in Homeowners’ Pockets, New GE® Water Heater Saves Them Even More

News release:

30 May 2012

Western Washington Water Heater Rebate Puts a Fast $500 in Homeowners’ Pockets, New GE® Water Heater Saves Them Even More

 

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• $500 rebate applies to the purchase of GE’s GeoSpring™ Hybrid Water Heater
• Hybrid water heating technology can save consumers more than $3,000 during the 10-year warranty period

LOUISVILLE, Ky., — May 30, 2012 — (NYSE: GE) — It just got easier to save money on utility bills in western Washington, thanks to a rebate program from Puget Sound Energy. When Puget Sound Energy consumers buy the new GE^® GeoSpring™ Hybrid Water Heater, they may be eligible to apply for a $500 rebate, reducing the cost to purchase the water heater. The ENERGY STAR^®-qualified water heater saves up to $325 per year on utility bills, which means the GeoSpring quickly pays for itself.*

Over 10 years, this savings can add up to more than $3,000 that can be used toward a vacation, a shopping spree, a home improvement or a rainy-day fund rather than going into the utility bill.

“Many consumers are unaware that the water heater is the second biggest energy user in the home behind the HVAC system,” said Keith Burkhardt, marketing manager for GE Appliances. “Through this rebate program, money is saved on both the product purchase and on utility bills—money the family can spend on something more enjoyable.”

Technology that drives energy and cost savingsThe GeoSpring’s hybrid technology is designed to absorb heat in ambient air and transfer it into the water. Since this uses much less energy than what’s needed to generate radiant heat—as used in a conventional electric tank water heater—the GeoSpring is more economical to operate.

Other features of the GeoSpring:

• Includes same water and electrical connections as the standard electric water heater, making it easy to install.
• Provides the same amount of hot water as traditional 50-gallon standard electric water heaters.
• Integrated electronics on the GeoSpring’s control panel offer exclusive features, such as Vacation mode, which will lower the water temperature to 50 degrees for the duration of a trip, and then automatically reenergize itself the day before the homeowner’s return.
• Offers additional control over water temperature by allowing consumers to adjust the temperature setting in one-degree increments from 100 to 140 degrees Fahrenheit.

"The goal of the PSE rebate program is to encourage our customers to save energy and money," said Walker Dodson, program manager with Puget Sound Energy. "The GeoSpring is a great choice for customers because of its energy efficiency and the ongoing savings it delivers.”

Rebate detailsTo participate, the water heater must be installed outside of the living space, such as a garage, attic or crawl space. Customers must then complete the rebate application and submit it with a copy of the receipt that clearly shows the equipment brand name, model number, purchase price and purchase location.** For additional information about the water heater rebate and eligibility requirements for the rebate program, please visit PSE.com/rebates.

As an added convenience to simplify the shopping experience, GE Appliances’ new Rebate Finder easily allows consumers to see rebates by appliance model that may be available in their area. From GEAppliances.com, simply enter your zip code and select Water Heaters in the product field to view rebate details and submit.

Pricing and availabilityAssembly of the new GeoSpring Hybrid Water Heaters started in February in Louisville, Ky. GeoSpring is available at national retailers such as Lowe's and Sears and national plumbing distributors such as Ferguson, as well as many local retailers and distributors. For more information on features and availability, visit www.GEAppliances.com/GeoSpring. The estimated retail price for GeoSpring is $1,199-$1,299.***

Follow us on Facebook and Twitter or check out our website for more information Friend GE Appliances on Facebook to view how-to videos; learn about new GE appliances, and join in the discussion with other GE appliance owners. Join today and follow @GE_Appliances on Twitter or just locate detailed information about our products at www.geappliances.com.

About GE AppliancesGE Appliances is at the forefront of building innovative, energy-efficient appliances that improve people’s lives. GE Appliances’ products include refrigerators, freezers, cooking products, dishwashers, washers, dryers, air conditioners, water filtration systems and water heaters. General Electric (NYSE: GE) works on things that matter to build a world that works better. For more information on GE Appliances, visit www.ge.com/appliances.

*Based on DOE test procedure and comparison of a 50-gallon standard electric tank water heater using 4879 kWh every year vs. the GeoSpring hybrid water heater using 1830 kWh every year.

** Rebate application must be submitted within 30 days of equipment installation. One rebate per qualifiying metered, residential customer on qualifying installations.

***Dealers set their own prices.

ThinkEco and Best Buy Bring Smart Wireless Control to Window Air Conditioners in New York City

News release:

ThinkEco and Best Buy Bring Smart Wireless Control to Window Air Conditioners in New York City

First Web- and App-Enabled Window AC Thermostat Now Available to New York City Residents at Select Best Buy Stores New York (May 24, 2012) – ThinkEco, Inc., the energy efficiency firm, is now offering New York City residents an easy way to take control of their air conditioning bills this summer.  Using the modlet smartAC kit – available exclusively at select Best Buy stores throughout New York City – residents will now be able to remotely control their window air conditioners via smartphone app or browser, and preset convenient savings schedules so their rooms are only cooled as needed. Best Buy is offering the modlet smartAC kit in partnership with the coolNYC program (www.coolnycprogram.com), created by ThinkEco and Con Edison. The coolNYC program combines the modlet smartAC, an easy-to-use energy efficiency product, with an incentivized program that uses real-time energy reduction capabilities to help manage residential peak usage on window air conditioners. It also allows Con Edison customers to help protect the environment by using less energy while keeping their homes cool during the summer heat. By Memorial Day, Best Buy will be offering modlet smartAC kits for $69.99 for the coolNYC program ($150 MSRP). As a coolNYC partner, the Geek Squad will also be available to support the installation of smartAC kits and get consumers connected, making this experience as easy as possible for everyone. NYC purchasers will receive a $25 rebate upon setting up their smartAC account, and an additional $25 thank you gift at the end of the summer. The $25 thank you is a recurring gift that users will receive each summer that they use the modlet smartAC kit and participate in coolNYC. “At Best Buy, we believe retail-utility partnerships are critical in the education of our consumers to reduce energy consumption.  We bring innovative technology to our customers, and teach them how easy it can be to help the environment, save money and enhance their lifestyle,” said Kris Bowring, senior director of Home and Energy Management at Best Buy. “We are excited to partner with ThinkEco and CoolNYC, and credit them for being a leader in this type of market-based program.  The modlet smartAC fits perfectly with our commitment to educate and assist our customers’ concerns about their energy use.” ThinkEco’s modlet (http://themodlet.com/demo.html) is a smart outlet that wirelessly combines with the smartAC thermostat. When used together, users can remotely view their current room temperature, change the target temperature for the room, or simply turn the window air conditioner unit on/off from any smartphone or browser. In addition, users can preset convenient on/off schedules for their window AC units, so that their rooms are cooled only when needed, and the savings associated with those schedules are tracked.  This transforms the stand-alone window air-conditioner into a smart, networked device that gives users enhanced convenience and control.  Customers who participate in the coolNYC program also have the opportunity to play a role in maintaining electrical service in NYC during times of heavy usage. When a peak usage event is called, customers can opt-in to have Con Edison adjust the temperature of their air conditioner unit. With over six million window air-conditioner units in Con Edison’s service area – which sometimes run unnecessarily when residents are not home – the ability for Con Edison to adjust air-conditioner temperatures remotely during a heat wave could help to manage peak summer demand. “The modlet smartAC is the only user installable demand-reduction product with a strong consumer and utility benefit,” said Mei Shibata, Chief Strategy Officer of ThinkEco, Inc.  “What this ease-of-use enables is an entirely new way for leading retailers, like Best Buy, to play a pivotal role in the distribution of utility-sponsored solutions by partnering with utilities and technology providers.” About ThinkEco, Inc. New York City-based ThinkEco, Inc. is a leading provider of easy-to-use energy efficiency solutions for homes and businesses. Its patented modlet system is a networked and scalable smart-plug platform that wirelessly connects any plug load to ThinkEco's robust cloud solution, powered by proprietary algorithms. The modlet provides the remote metering of plug-load power consumption in real time, and enables users to set savings schedules to better control their energy use and quantify savings. For more information, visit www.thinkeco.com or follow the company on Twitter @ThinkEco and Facebook at www.facebook.com/ThinkEco. About Best Buy Best Buy Co., Inc. (NYSE: BBY) is a leading multi-channel global retailer and developer of technology products and services. Every day our employees - 167,000 strong - are committed to helping deliver the technology solutions that enable easy access to people, knowledge, ideas and fun. We are keenly aware of our role and impact on the world, and we are committed to developing and implementing business strategies that bring sustainable technology solutions to our consumers and communities. For information about Best Buy, visit www.bby.com and to shop at Best Buy, visit www.bestbuy.com.

Press release:

IBM Smart Building Technology to Increase U.S. Federal Buildings Energy Efficiency

Innovative smart building systems to be installed initially in 50 government buildings, has estimated annual savings of $15 million
        

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WASHINGTON, D.C. and Armonk, N.Y. - 21 May 2012: The U.S. General Services Administration has awarded a contract to IBM (NYSE: IBM) to develop and install advanced smart building technology in 50 of the federal government’s highest energy-consuming buildings. Part of GSA’s larger smart building strategy, this initiative will connect building management systems to a central cloud based platform, improving efficiency and saving up to $15 million in taxpayer dollars annually.

Commercial buildings account for nearly 40% of the United State’s primary energy use and GSA owns nearly 182 million square feet of office space nationwide. GSA's plan to meet the requirements of President Obama’s Executive Order 13514 includes a goal of reducing energy consumption in federal buildings by 30% by 2015.

Under the terms of the contract, IBM will develop a system to monitor building performance nationwide and stream data to a central facility, allowing faster analysis and more informed decision-making. This project uses innovative building management technology, linking major building controls in real-time to make federal buildings more energy efficient. When fully implemented, GSA will use newly available data and analytics to save energy and reduce building operating costs in GSA’s entire owned inventory.

“The development of this industry-leading smart building system begins a new era in how GSA manages our nation’s public buildings and will prove the feasibility of this technology for the larger industry,” said GSA Acting Public Buildings Commissioner Linda Chero. “This program connects existing building technologies in new ways to improve building efficiency in over 32 million square feet of real estate. Awarding this contract benefits taxpayers, as it will reduce maintenance and operating costs of the federal building portfolio -- saving taxpayers an estimated $15 million annually.”

When the system is fully integrated, tenants will be able to view the performance of their buildings on dashboards with real time metrics on energy savings and recommendations on how to further increase efficiencies. In the first year, 50 buildings will be integrated on this building management system. As additional federal buildings are constructed and other facilities are upgraded, those buildings will also be managed with this platform. The new technology will give property managers real time information and diagnostic tools to keep buildings performing at peak efficiency, increasing cost savings across the federal building portfolio.

“We are at a tipping point in terms of advancing the greening of our buildings and making them smarter,” said IBM Vice President of Industry Solutions Dave Bartlett.  “When you look at buildings holistically, with end-to-end visibility across all systems,  you can more clearly see the connections, the interactions, and opportunities for efficiency among the various systems.  Using analytics, we can make better decisions about how to best visualize and optimize these systems.  The data exists – it's a matter of understanding and responding to what the data is telling us, and that's what we're helping GSA to do.”

For additional information on GSA’s smart building efforts, visit:  http://www.gsa.gov/portal/category/100731

For more information on IBM Smarter Buildings, visit: www.ibm.com/smarterplanet/buildings