On paper, the match-up is simple: plant managers need solutions for energy-driven issues such as fuel bills, emissions compliance, process reliability, and workplace safety. Utilities, with their extensive customer account relationships, would be a superb channel for information outreach to the industrial community, especially if that information is value that attracts and retains customers. In practice, this match-up of industry and utility interests is often difficult to achieve. On the part of manufacturers as well as utilities, the failing is often a function of priorities. These differences are not insurmountable, however, as an array of public energy efficiency resources, already developed and freely available, can be tapped by utilities to better serve customers. Energy efficiency conveys benefits to manufacturers in the form of plant reliability and productivity, while also contributing to utilities' objectives regarding load management, growth, and return on assets. The use of trade allies and Internet communication means that this can be accomplished with negligible effort on the part of hard-pressed utility staff.
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