Web Case Study--Steam Efficiency Upgrade Results in State Rebate for Fig Grower
A fig growing company in California upgraded the firetube boiler it relied on for years to two 100 BHP Miura boilers, gaining energy efficiency approval from Pacific Gas & Electric.
Though the check from Pacific Gas & Electric took a few months to arrive, it put a smile on the face of Michael Emigh (pronounced Amy). Not only did he "give a fig" about $16,000, it rewarded the fig growers of California for being more friendly to the environment, while they increased their profit margins (by cutting production costs), and it meant that Roy Ziegenfuss could let someone sleep an extra four hours on Monday mornings.
The PG&E program that generated the check was directly related to energy efficiency and air pollution. California is the country's test case for these problems. When California finds a system that increases efficiency and lessens emissions, other states are sure to take notice. Some people think they almost solved their problem by trying to drive industry out of the state with high energy prices. But it didn't work. Those prices are dropping, and some industries really want to be in California. Especially fig processing, as it needs to be where the figs are.