Fall 2009

Vending Miser Program at Glendale Water & Power

Glendale Water & Power (GWP) has launched a new program called Vending Miser to reduce energy consumption, costs and greenhouse gas impacts of vending machines. The program has a goal of delivering over 3.6 million kilowatt-hours of annual energy savings resulting in a reduction of over 2,400 tons of carbon dioxide emissions. It is estimated the Vending Miser will save customers over $670,000 in energy costs.

"Our goal is to lead by example and highlight how smart energy conservation technology can make a big difference in reducing energy consumption and cost, as well as lower C02 emissions," says Glenn Steiger, General Manager of Glendale Water & Power. "It is a simple yet extremely effective energy and cost saving strategy."

The City owns and operates over 150 vending machines and started installing the energy saving equipment known as VendingMiser® in August at all City facilities, and then offered the program to schools and private businesses. Glendale Water & Power is working with K.J. Kammerer, a contractor for USA Technologies Incorporated that developed the EnergyMiser®/VendingMiser® equipment.

A normal refrigerated vending machine consumes approximately 3,500 kilowatt hours (kWh) per year, costing the owner of the machine between $300 and $600 in electricity costs. The VendingMiser® uses proven technologies to reduce energy consumption and costs by an average of 46% by turning off the machine during extended periods when no one is present in the vicinity of the machine. That amounts to an approximate savings of $150 in energy costs per machine.

GWP's program is part of a larger initiative organized by the Southern California Public Power Authority of which GWP and 11 other Southern California utilities are a part. The entire SCPPA program has the potential to save customers well over $6 million per year.

Customers interested in having VendingMiser® installed on their vending machines and glass door coolers should contact Glendale Water & Power's subcontractor, Smart Energy Options at (877) 663-9442 or email Glendale@smartenergyoptions.com.