World's Largest Carpet Manufacturer and Distributor Partners With Comverge to Participate in Arizona Public Service (APS) Peak Solutions Programs
NORCROSS, Ga., Nov. 9, 2011 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Comverge, Inc. (Nasdaq:COMV), the leading provider of Intelligent Energy Management solutions for Residential and Commercial + Industrial (C+I) customers, today announced that it has helped Shaw Industries Group, Inc., the world's largest carpet manufacturer, earn incentives through its participation in the 2010 and 2011 Arizona Public Service (APS) Peak Solutions programs. By leveraging Comverge's comprehensive demand response solutions, Shaw Industries qualified for the reduced electricity utilization at its Yuma, Arizona factory by more than 5 MWs in 2011.
"Managing our energy footprint – both at our Yuma facility and at all Shaw facilities – through forward-thinking initiatives like the Peak Solutions program is a fundamental part of our commitment to sustainability through innovation," said Shaw Corporate Energy Director Gary Nichols. "The innovative energy demand response solutions offered by Comverge and APS have not only helped our Yuma facility manage its energy load; they have also helped us create an economically viable model for other Shaw facilities."
Launched in 2010, the APS Peak Solutions program helps commercial and industrial businesses earn additional revenues by reducing load on peak event days. At Shaw's Yuma facility, Comverge engineers worked closely with the Shaw energy team to design a demand response system that would both reduce load and allow Shaw to participate in the APS Peak Solutions program. The system was able to successfully reach the energy efficiency targets without adversely impacting operations for the 285,000 square foot, 319-employee facility.
"Shaw's results demonstrate how demand response and other intelligent energy management programs can support energy efficiency initiatives, as well as make a significant contribution to the bottom line," said George Hunt, senior vice president, C+I Sales, Comverge. "By fully embracing the potential of demand response through the curtailment of energy utilization during peak usage periods, Shaw Industries is helping to enhance the reliability of the grid and in keeping rates down in the long term."
APS entered into a 15-year agreement with Comverge to implement the APS Peak Solutions program for commercial and industrial businesses. Through the APS Peak Solutions program, Comverge works to identify, qualify and enroll commercial and industrial businesses and institutions in demand response. The program has been very successful, with 40 businesses participating in 2010 and 72 businesses participating in 2011. Overall, the program has met its load reduction targets in both 2010 and thus far in 2011.
About Shaw Industries
Shaw Industries Group, Inc., a subsidiary of Berkshire Hathaway Inc., is the world's largest carpet manufacturer and a leading floorcovering provider with more than $4 billion in annual sales and approximately 25,000 associates worldwide. Headquartered in Dalton, Georgia, the company manufactures and distributes carpeting, rugs, hardwood, laminate and ceramic tile for residential and commercial applications worldwide. A recognized leader in environmental stewardship, Shaw has implemented hundreds of sustainability initiatives and Cradle to Cradle design solutions, collectively termed the Shaw Green Edge. For more information, visit www.shawgreenedge.com.
About Comverge
With more than 500 utility and 2,100 commercial customers, as well as five million residential deployments, Comverge brings unparalleled industry knowledge and experience to offer the most reliable, easy-to-use, and cost-effective intelligent energy management programs. We deliver the insight and control that enables energy providers and consumers to optimize their power usage through the industry's only proven, comprehensive set of technology, services and information management solutions. For more information, visit www.comverge.com.
CONTACT: Jason Cigarran
Vice President, Marketing and Investor Relations
Comverge, Inc.
678-823-6784
jcigarran@comverge.com