Utilities and Economic Development

Abstract

Wide-ranging benefits can be gained from utilities and manufacturers working together. In fact, a growing number of utilities have increased the competitiveness of their industrial customers by helping local firms assess their operations and purchase more energy-efficient and technologically advanced equipment. Many manufacturers need technical and financial assistance to maintain acceptable levels of productivity. Unfortunately, the combined resources of state and federal industrial extension programs reach fewer than 2% of the small manufacturing firms each year. Additional partners are needed to increase service delivery efforts. Utilities are in a good position to help bridge this gap by encouraging production-process efficiency. Fortuitously, a partnership with manufacturers also allows a utility to better manage its electricity demand and to maintain its industrial base.