 |
| |
| Co-generation
plant: The
hospital
reaps
additional
energy
savings
by storing
chilled
water
at night
in a
large
tank. |
One of
RCRMC’s
major
expenses
is the
cost of
utilities.
Gas, water,
and electricity
costs
are approximately
$3 million
per year.
Electricity
accounts
for the
largest
portion
of this
expenditure
– just
over $2
million
per year.
In order
to reduce
electricity
costs,
RCRMC—with
support
from the
Board
of Supervisors—began
construction
of a co-generation
plant
to supply
the hospital
with electricity
produced
on site,
in order
to greatly
reduce
dependence
on the
utility
company.
The co-generation
plant
was completed
and became
operational
in March
2006.
RCRMC
is now
able to
produce
electricity
on site
with generators
fueled
by natural
gas. Approximately
two-thirds
of the
hospital’s
power
is self-generated,
with a
cost savings
of $100,000
per month.
The hospital
reaps additional
energy savings
by storing
chilled
water at
night in
a large
tank. The
chilled
water is
then used
to cool
the building
during the
day. Heat
created
by the generators
is also
used to
produce
steam and
hot water
used daily
in the hospital.
— 06-0817d |
