Small Compressed Air Initiative

Print This Page

Pressure problems. Production interruptions. Maintenance headaches. If your business relies on compressed air, you're aware of the costs of a poorly functioning system.

And then there's the cost of air: over 10 years, a single 100 hp air compressor can use more than $250,000 worth of energy.

The good news is there's almost always room for energy efficiency improvements. And since it takes 7 hp worth of electricity to generate 1 hp worth of air power, even small improvements can add up to major savings – 20-30% savings in an average system.

Power Smart can help you make those savings happen through our Small Compressed Air Initiative for systems between 40 hp and 200 hp.

Is this offer for you?

We've designed this initiative for any BC Hydro industrial customer who's running an air compressor system in the 40 hp to 200 hp range.

If you are running a system above 200 hp, or if you're not sure whether or not you qualify, don't hesitate to contact us–we have a whole range of Power Smart programs that may be a better fit for you.

Knowledge is (efficient) power

Finding out how well your system is currently performing is the first step towards improved reliability and lower energy consumption. Our two-part feasibility process will let you do exactly that:

1. On-site walkthrough
   After contacting your preferred compressed air supplier, or selecting one of our trusted Power Smart Alliance members, a compressed air expert will visit your facility for a walkthrough. The expert will be looking for signs that your system is not operating at its best, including noticeable leaks, process problems caused by inadequate pressure, inappropriate uses of compressed air, and other maintenance or reliability issues.
2. System assessment and detailed report
   Following your walkthrough, your supplier will then monitor your system for one week to analyze the energy consumption and air profile. From that, the expert assembles a detailed report that provides you with everything you need to build a solid business case for efficiency upgrades, including ideas for saving energy, estimates of potential savings, and project implementation costs.

It pays to take action

You have the assessment report in hand and you're ready for the next step. Upgrades to your system will pay for themselves with significantly reduced energy costs, but we can make your project even more attractive with additional Power Smart incentives.

Based on the savings potential of your project, we offer up to 75% funding to cover the cost of your upgrade–in many cases, enough to reduce your payback period to as little as one year.

Should you choose to go ahead with your improvement project, the supplier will use your assessment report to help you apply.

Key benefits

Know the score: Your on-site assessment will show you exactly where you now stand, and how much you could be saving.

Smart savings: With the help of our incentives, you'll see an immediate reduction in your energy costs, and you’ll continue to save well into the future.

Reliability and performance: Your upgraded system will deliver steadier pressure with fewer problems and less maintenance.