Case study
Beefy’s saves 18% in annual energy bills with EnergyFlex
Beefy's Pies, QLD
KEY METRICS
18%
Annual energy savings
23t
Annual CO² reduction
Beefy’s Pies, a premium bakery located on the Sunshine Coast, faced a challenge.
Beefy’s was interested in transitioning to solar energy, but the return on investment for a solar PV system was projected to take over a decade.
The bakery had just 15 months to take advantage of its preferential energy tariff – an exceptional 5c/kWh and substantially lower than standard rates. The forecasted new tariffs were expected to be double or even triple the existing rates.
“We weren’t aware of the value of our Energy Asset and were grappling with limitations in energy supply due to the capacity of the local transformer. This restriction not only hampered our growth prospects but also resulted in significant demand charges, which went towards cancelling the benefits of having a preferential tariff,” says Jason Lyons, Business Development Manager at Beefy’s.
How it was approached
Used EnergyFlex insights to make operational decisions, including replacing its hot water system and optimising refrigeration compressors.
The outcome:
Beefy’s estimates that it will enjoy significant energy cost savings each year. The gravy on the pie was the 30% decrease in water usage.
Strategic energy operations
To unlock its Energy Asset, Beefy’s undertook a comprehensive EnergyFlex assessment to analyse its energy usage patterns.
Insights from this assessment led to the engagement of a refrigeration specialist to optimise energy consumption. Turns out, the water heater and refrigeration systems were the biggest energy guzzlers.
Replacing
the instantaneous hot water system with a more efficient stored hot water system;
Installing
variable speed drives on refrigeration compressors;
Implementing
a heat exchanger system for the compressor exhausts.
Energy savings
These changes resulted in a significant 18% reduction in energy costs and a 40% reduction in demand charges.“Having these energy insights puts us in a strong position in upcoming energy supply agreement negotiations,” says Jason. “Without them, energy costs might have become a challenge.”
Beefy’s is now focusing on operational modifications to minimise power usage during peak evening hours. It is also using EnergyFlex to evaluate the integration of solar and battery solutions to further decrease daytime demand charges, enhance operational resilience, and potentially enable safe operation under a spot exposed electricity contract.
Inspired by this business’ success? Join EnergyFlex today.
