Pennsylvania Energy Symposium Keynote Speakers: Companies Should Be Smarter About Energy Usage

The main thrust of the recent Central Penn Business Journal's "Energy Symposium 2010" was simple: companies should be smarter about energy usage.

Fifty vendors, more than 500 attendees and seven keynote speakers took part in the event at the Radisson Hotel and Convention Center in Pennsylvania’s East Pennsboro Township.

The Symposium was sponsored by the Central Penn Business Journal, an award-winning business newspaper in central Pennsylvania, and one of the most widely read local business publications that reaches entrepreneurs, corporate boards, middle managers and CEOs.

Gary Hogsett, a senior energy management specialist at Mid-America Manufacturing Technology Center (MAMTC) told attendees that companies should prepare themselves for a world of declining energy supplies and rising prices.

“The data indicates that the era of cheap energy is ending, and companies will have to become more efficient,” Hogsett said. “Fortunately, opportunities for savings are abundant. Upgrades to lighting, insulation and heating systems can cut energy expenses drastically.”

Based in Overland Park, Kansas, MAMTC has an established track record of improving performance and enhancing profitability of process-driven businesses. As a not-for-profit organization, MAMTC's experts bring unbiased recommendations and world-class techniques to manufacturing, printing, distribution and other companies throughout Kansas. Through seminars, workshops and consulting services, MAMTC helps local businesses compete on a higher level by implementing integrated process improvements that affect the entire value stream.

Other speakers also impressed upon the symposium's attendees the importance of energy efficiency.   For example, James Cawley, chairman of the Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission, offered insight into the state’s Act 129 -- a legislative mandate covering electricity usage and energy efficiency and conservation.  As Cawley highlighted, Act 129 calls for Pennsylvania utilities to reduce their electricity consumption by 1% by 2011 and 3% by 2013.  If utilities do not meet the energy conservation targets, they will be subject to fines.  The act also call for utilities to install smart meters in every home by 2015.

Meanwhile, other speakers explained how their facilities implemented successful alternative and energy conservation solutions. Case studies using alternative energy and energy conservation solutions that worked included the East Lycoming School District, Armstrong World Industries, and Ames True Temper.