When investigating opportunities to improve energy efficiency at our clients’ facilities, we often find that significant savings can be achieved by replacing aged transformers with new high efficiency models. A recent energy audit we performed for an 850,000 SF corporate headquarters projected that a transformer replacement could reduce electrical utility costs by $60k+ per year, with payback within five years.

Though the anticipated results would far outweigh the upfront cost, GHT recommended that they be further verified before the client made a significant capital investment. We partnered with Critical Power Group of Leesburg, VA in conjunction with POWERSMITHS of Ontario, Canada to provide a temporary transformer to test the scenario and prove the predicted energy cost savings. Testing is currently underway; stay tuned for the results of this and other temporary transformer initiatives we have in the works early next year!

Before installing a temporary transformer, it’s important to prepare by:

• Outlining criteria for budgetary goals and acceptable payback periods
• Reviewing existing transformer loading and performance   
• Analyzing existing energy use and annual utility costs
• Calculating technical predicted savings

If this preliminary study yields positive results in accordance with your program requirements, a temporary transformer can be installed. Your engineer will then evaluate the transformer testing results to develop an accurate determination of utility savings, ENERGY STAR® impact, reduction in carbon emissions, and other sustainable design benchmarks.

Are you interested in exploring your facilities’ savings potential? Let us know if we can help. If you have successfully verified anticipated cost savings with a temporary transformer, share your story in the comments below!