Yuengling gets giant novelty check for energy savings program, which is fun

D.G. Yuengling & Son Inc. was recently recognized by PPL Electric Utilities for its energy savings over the last year, resulting from a recent alternative energy project at America’s oldest, still operating brewery in Pottsville, Pa.

PPL Electric Utilities awarded the brewery a one-time energy savings rebate from the alternative energy savings achieved from the installation of its combined heat and power (CHP) system located in the historic dairy building, part of the Pottsville campus. The restored dairy building also houses the brewery’s new gift shop, museum and hospitality area.

“D.G. Yuengling & Son, a company rich in history, chose an innovative way to reduce its energy use through this combined heat and power project,” said Greg Dudkin, president of PPL Electric Utilities. “We’re glad to have helped support Yuengling in this energy-saving project. We encourage both businesses and residential customers to look into PPL’s energy efficiency programs, which offer many opportunities to save.”

This award is an offshoot of Yuengling’s sustainability initiatives where CHP projects were implemented across all three breweries in its footprint. The Yuengling Pottsville wastewater pretreatment plant and CHP project were completed December 28, 2016. The energy savings that related to the rebate was KWH savings of 1,465,996 units. The rebate of almost $44,000 presented Tuesday is a one-time rebate received upon completion of the CHP project.

At its Mill Creek brewery, a wastewater treatment plant was installed in 2001 when the brewery was built, and the CHP system was installed in 2014. A wastewater pretreatment plant and CHP project is underway in its Tampa brewery with a projected completion date of August 2017. Yuengling’s CHP system is leading sustainability technology within the craft brewing industry.

“We’re proud to have the brewery recognized for this energy savings sustainability project,” said Wendy Yuengling, chief administrative officer of D.G. Yuengling & Son Inc. “Renewable energy is just one piece of our efforts to improve our communities’ future. Today, we are pleased to announce the launch of our Yuengling Community Initiative Program.”

The Yuengling Community Initiative Program is part of the brewery’s efforts to contribute to causes that are important to its consumers, wholesalers, retailers, employees and company. Funds from the rebate check will help support the company’s stainability and local market charity programs.