Much needed upgrades to several of Mid-Valley Hospital’s operations resulted in better services and an incentive check for $48,425.44 from the Okanogan County PUD.
The multi-phase project began in 2017, and included upgrades and replacements to the ventilation system, walk-in cooler and freezer, electrical, lighting and hot water piping. Several of the projects resulted in improved energy efficiency, qualifying the hospital for incentives from the PUD. The PUD manages incentive programs through funding by the Bonneville Power Administration, a major source of its electricity.
The lighting system, for example, hadn’t been updated since 1964, and needed to be brought up to code. The walk-in cooler and freezer were the original units when the hospital was built in the 1950s. The 52-year-old piping system was beginning to fail.
“Over time, upgrades are necessary, and as a critical access hospital, it is our responsibility to continuously look for ways to improve safety and quality of care,” said Alan Fisher, Mid-Valley’s CEO. “By doing facility improvements and modernizing equipment, we have been able to minimize risks and reduce operating costs. Being a facility that is open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, that is very important.”
Besides the check from the PUD, the hospital will also continue to enjoy energy savings as they move forward. An estimated additional $11,800 in annual maintenance of old systems will also be saved.
“Incentive funding from Bonneville Power Administration allows the PUD to help our community in a powerful way that makes a difference,” said Kim Johnson, the PUD’s energy services coordinator.
Apollo Solutions Group performed the work through several sub-contractors, mostly in 2018. The resulting savings were measured to determine the amount of the PUD incentive check.
Although the construction involved a number of disruptions to hospital departments, comfort and capability of several systems has seen major improvements.
The PUD has multiple energy efficiency incentive programs for residential, commercial and other types of customers. Learn more on our Energy Services pages.