In 2005, Berkeley Lab applied prior research in system optimization and demand side management to a demonstration project in Enterprise Energy Management (EEM), a collaboration with Del Monte Foods.  Berkeley Lab’s role in the project, funded through a grant from the State Technologies Advancement Collaborative, included technical assistance to specify and install an EEM system at Del Monte’s fruit-canning facility in Modesto.

EEM describes a method of real-time monitoring of the energy performance of industrial systems to produce information that can assist an industrial facility to improve the energy efficiency of these motor-driven, steam, and process heating systems.  The annual energy savings potential from the application of EEM in these systems in California industries is more than 4 TWh of electricity and 42 TBtu of natural gas.

EEM provides validation of energy usage and costs that contribute to measurement and verification (M&V) requirements, and which allow the industrial facility to quantify the energy savings achievement of these improved systems.  This M&V capability also provides a foundation for plants to make better informed and more effective demand response decisions, resulting in greater demand reduction at a lower perceived risk.  EEM offers immediate feedback on demand savings and financial achievement, which motivates users to actively participate in demand response programs.

See also: Del Monte