Energy awareness, monitoring and controls program

Summary

​Western Meat Packers Group (WMPG) commenced a journey to reduce energy costs at its deboning/cold storage facility in Osborne Park while maintaining WMPG's existing world-class production practices.  A grant was provided through the Meat Livestock Association (MLA) to implement an energy awareness, monitoring and controls program. 

The following items describe the main activities of the program and its outcomes:

• Benchmarking: 
  • Performance benchmarking and energy management planning was conducted through a One2Five assessment. This resulted in a one star rating, actions were provided on how to progress to a two star rating. After the roll out of the project a second One2Five assessment was conducted which resulted in WMPG progressing to a two star rating indicating they now align with their industry peers.
• Energy Procurement:
  • Electricity contracts were analysed through a procurement review; this process considered both bundled and unbundled rates.  Electricity offers were analysed using an external procurement team. The difference between the best unbundled and bundled offer was 34.5%, which represents significant savings. This resulted in the largest cost saving for the project.
• Monitoring:
  • Energy metering was installed. This assisted in understanding electricity usage; however, the data was better utilised once it was made more accessible through a centralised control system. 
• Business Case Development for a centralised control system:
  • Assessment of a centralised control system was conducted which then led to the development of a business case. Deciding on selection criteria for the centralised control system, coupled with a staged roll-out process assisted with the business case for implementation. Implementation has resulted in increased energy awareness, better energy management, reduced electricity and maintenance costs, better temperature control and increased engagement from staff.  This resulted in greater engagement of staff members on the need for improved energy management.
• Energy Management Program:
  • Momentum for a site-wide energy program was achieved after implementation of the centralised control system because of the increased energy awareness.

The red meat industry could benefit from the above process if:

• Energy is poorly understood onsite: benchmarking assisted in recognising a problem; however, access to online live data also increased energy awareness and management.
• Electricity contracts are bundled: it is important that meat processors consider bundled and unbundled contracts to determine what will deliver the lowest electricity costs for their facility.
• There is no centralised control system: this is key in achieving a range of benefits, most importantly is being able to maintain product temperature whilst simultaneously decreasing energy costs.