The Big PicturE
Frequent outages were increasing maintenance costs and hampering plans for a new greenhouse.
Upgraded transformer to handle the electrical load and designed greenhouse electrical system from the ground-up.
Reduced maintenance costs and designed system to accommodate future nursery growth plans.
Problem:
Frequent Electrical Outages Hindered Growth Plans
North Creek Nurseries greenhouse operations were being frequently interrupted by short-circuiting and outage problems. The outages were not only a thorn in their side, but electrical maintenance costs were also increasing.
Meanwhile, North Creek Nurseries was sowing the seeds of growth and expanding their operation to include a new 2-acre greenhouse. To ensure this greenhouse integrated seamlessly with their existing buildings, they consulted their long-time electrical partner, New London Electric.
We sought to help them with two problems:
Troubleshooting the cause of frequent short-circuiting and outage problems
Designing and wiring an expansive greenhouse with no electrical blueprints
Solution:
Upgrade Transformer to Handle Increased Load (on the Utility Company’s Dime)
Greenhouses require a heavy electrical load to power heating systems, irrigation systems, lighting, and more.
Insufficient Power Source from Transformer
We suspected the short-circuiting issues were due to an insufficient power source from the utility company. After investigating the transformer, we confirmed this was the case—North Creek’s expansion had outgrown the infrastructure’s capabilities.
Analyzed Nursery’s Energy Load & Presented Plan
We knew the tranformer needed to be upgraded, and we knew we’d need a quick turnaround to keep our greenhouse project on schedule. To help move things with PECO faster, we presented a thorough analysis of the nursery’s energy load needs and an upgrade plan to PECO.
PECO Agreed to Pay for Upgrade
Transformer upgrades can cost upwards of $50K. “Who pays” is often a challenge nurseries and other agricultural facilities face when their load needs increase.
With our analysis in hand, PECO agreed to pay and upgraded the transformer within 1 day.
Aside from cost savings, this also meant our greenhouse electrical system design remained on schedule.
Design Greenhouse Electrical System That Maximizes Sun’s Energy & Minimizes Maintenance
We designed the electrical system for the greenhouse to maximize the energy of the sun—the goal of any greenhouse!
An energy-efficient electrical design for a greenhouse means:
Not blocking the sun or interfere with ventilation by strategically placing electrical panels and conduit wiring
Using weather-resistant materials, such as moisture and heat resistant wiring and materials
Reducing interference of wiring by designing wiring blueprint so irrigation system and light panels can move freely
In addition to this, we ensured the system was designed to accommodate future growth plans such as additional lights, heaters, or system loads.
Impact
Increased Revenue Potential While Minimizing Ongoing Maintenance Costs
Now that outages and short circuit issues are a thing of the past, North Creek’s electrical maintenance needs are minimized. The new transformer and system can easily handle the electrical load of the new greenhouse several times over. The new greenhouse is growing new plants and their business.
We look forward to continuing our partnership.
DESIGNS WITH THE FUTURE IN MIND
North Creek Nurseries has worked with New London Electric for the past 11 years and we have been very pleased with their exceptional quality of work. The team is reliable, professional, and has the strong communication skills necessary when working with other contractors on a job. They also design with the future in mind—a huge asset when working together on a project.
— Tim McGinty, General Manager/COO North Creek Nurseries, Inc.
