Northwest Harvest partners with Pacific Power to meet energy goals

YAKIMA, Wash.,  — Northwest Harvest has partnered with Pacific Power to meet its energy goals. Participation in Pacific Power’s Wattsmart business program will help this nonprofit business optimize its energy use and offset utility costs through energy-efficient upgrades.

Northwest Harvest installed energy-efficient refrigeration equipment and controls in their new Yakima distribution center to improve production and reduce energy use for the center’s new food storage warehouse. This equipment was customized to fit cooling needs in the facility’s cold and freezer storage.

The refrigeration upgrades yield 956,472 kilowatt-hours per year in energy savings, enough to power 65 typical homes in the Yakima area for a year. Northwest Harvest received over $220,000 in Wattsmart Business incentives from Pacific Power for this project. The energy-cost savings from the more efficient refrigeration system will reduce Northwest Harvest’s electric bill by more than $54,000 annually.

“We contacted Pacific Power in the hope of developing a Wattsmart business project designed to meet our organizational needs,” said Thomas Reynolds, CEO of Northwest Harvest. “Opting for energy-efficient equipment was extremely beneficial in terms of usage and cost savings. This project reduces our energy footprint and frees up more funds for food programs that support families across the region and provide access to wonderful, healthy foods. I think about the kids in the Yakima area who will take home amazing, fun-to-prepare foods and that makes a major difference."

Pacific Power is proud to support Northwest Harvest as they strive to serve the communities of the Yakima Valley.  For more information about Pacific Power’s Wattsmart Business program, please visit BeWattsmart.com.