CHICAGO, July 7, 2011 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Lime Energy (Nasdaq:LIME) announced today that it has recently installed web-based building automation systems for over 100 bowling centers owned by AMF Bowling Centers, Inc. across the United States. Lime will provide energy use monitoring and maintain 24 hour telephone support for diagnostics and troubleshooting for the installations which, when combined with lighting upgrades performed in 2009 by Lime, will contribute to a collective savings of more than $5.6 million in utility costs for AMF.
"When we initially partnered with Lime Energy in 2009, it was to complete an energy efficient lighting retrofit at all of our bowling centers. The results were fabulous. We set what we believed were aggressive payback targets, and Lime helped us over-achieve against them. During 2011, we decided to accept Lime's recommendation to install building automation in many of our bowling centers. Early results have indicated greater than 60% ROI," said Simon Shearer, Senior Vice President of Facilities & Design at AMF.
The web-based automation system includes an electric meter at each location that provides real-time energy consumption data for troubleshooting and trend analysis. AMF personnel can call Lime Energy to report anything related to energy use or comfort at their center. Experienced technicians from Lime can look at energy usage and temperatures in real time during these calls and discuss the situation with the center, leading to a rapid resolution. The system also monitors refrigerators and walk-in coolers and sends alarms to avoid costly food spoilage if temperatures in the refrigerators veer outside of pre-set limits.
The ability to monitor energy use in real time will also provide AMF with the secondary benefit of participating in emerging "smart grid" initiatives. Many local utilities offer Demand Response programs in which customers voluntarily reduce electricity consumption during high usage "peak" periods in return for utility bill discounts. The automated systems installed by Lime Energy will enable AMF to focus on real-time consumption and time-based decisions about electricity use.
"Installing building automation controls is a cost effective way to manage and control your energy consuming assets. The ability to remotely control lighting, HVAC and refrigeration systems is a smart way to save energy and operating costs," said Burke Ewers, Senior Vice President of Sales at Lime Energy. "We have established terrific relationships with both the center managers and the AMF executive team because we can help them eliminate the very costly energy waste that often happens in a large portfolio of properties," continued Mr. Ewers.
About Lime Energy Co.
Lime Energy is a leading provider of energy efficiency solutions. Our services include integrated energy engineering, consulting and implementation of solutions that enable our customers to reduce their facilities' energy consumption, lower their operating and maintenance costs and reduce their carbon footprint. We focus on solutions which include lighting, mechanical and electrical upgrade services, water conservation, weatherization and renewable project development and implementation. We provide these solutions to the commercial and industrial markets, utilities, energy service companies (ESCOs) and the government sector across a wide range of facilities including high-rise office buildings, manufacturing plants, retail sites, mixed use complexes and large government sites. The company's stock is traded on NASDAQ under the symbol LIME. Additional information is available at the company's website at www.lime-energy.com or by emailing info@lime-energy.com.
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About AMF
AMF Bowling Centers, Inc. is the world's largest owner and operator of bowling centers. Since the introduction of the automated pinspotter in 1946, AMF has been a leader in the bowling industry.
FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS
This news release includes forward-looking statements within the meaning of the safe harbor provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 including statements that reflect Lime Energy's current expectations about its future results, performance, prospects and opportunities. Lime Energy has tried to identify these forward-looking statements by using words and phrases such as "may," "expects," "anticipates," "believes," "intends," "estimates," "plan," "should," "typical," "preliminary," "hope," or similar expressions. These forward-looking statements are based on information currently available to Lime Energy and are subject to a number of risks, uncertainties and other factors that could cause Lime Energy's actual results, performance, prospects or opportunities in the future to differ materially from those expressed in, or implied by, these forward- looking statements. These risks include those risks referenced in Lime Energy's current Annual Report on Form 10-K and Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q or as may be described from time to time in Lime Energy's subsequent SEC filings; such factors are incorporated herein by reference.