Energy management

The most important part of energy management in sawmilling is to reduce electricity costs as much as possible. There are several different ways of doing this: 

• The sawmill can reduce its electricity consumption by saving electricity (eg. switching of machines when they are not in use). 
• The sawmill can replace inefficient equipment with newer, more efficient equipment. Old equipment can sometimes be so inefficient that it pays to replace the machine with a new machine even though it is still in full operational state. 
• The sawmill can generate its own electricity.
• The sawmill can manage electricity demand by shifting electricity loads in order to reduce the peak electricity demand. Although the total electricity consumption is constant, there are benefits for the electricity supply company so lower line charges can be negotiated.
• The sawmill can organise its operation to help balance the load factor. This could be achieved by changing the operation of the mill to ensure that the highest electricity consuming equipment is not being used at the same time.

Reducing cost through energy management

Most businesses think of energy as an overhead, rather than as a variable input cost they can control. The reality is that energy consumption can be managed successfully. In fact, many businesses can achieve savings of between 10% and 30%.

Download an Energy Management Programme (EMP) guide 

Below are case studies in the wood processing industry demonstrating the savings possible through energy management:

CHH – Kinleith Mill, Tokoroa, New Zealand (October 2005)

Juken Nissho – Waiarapa Mill, Masterton, New Zealand (April 2004)

An energy audit is one of the first steps in an energy management programme. It shows how efficiently energy is being used and highlights opportunities for energy cost savings. It can also show ways to improve productivity. Energy audits take a thorough look at particular facilities, processes or technologies.

Any public or private organisation can apply for a grant to assist with conducting an energy audit.