Projects

Electrical Wiring for Harris Teeter's Energy Management System

Building Energy Management Systems (EMS) have been around for almost as long as commercial buildings have existed. A computer-based control system installed to control and monitor the building’s mechanical and electrical equipment (ventilation, lighting, power systems, fire and security systems), recent technology integrates use of Internet protocols and open standards.

By conserving energy, firms are able to sharpen their competitive edge. EMS can help save up to 70% on energy costs.

John Hall Electric recently installed the lighting, switchgear, EMS panels, wiring and conduit for Harris Teeter’s newest location in Virginia Beach.

The energy management system for Harris Teeter controlled all of the HVAC, freezers, coolers, administrative equipment and lighting via a remote computer-based system. Systems linked to an EMS typically represent 40% of a building's energy usage; if lighting is included this number approaches 70%. EMS systems are delivered as fully integrated systems and services through companies like Siemens, Honeywell, Johnson Controls, TAC and others.

The federal tax incentive for energy efficiency (Energy Policy Act of 2005) – a deduction of up to $1.80 per square foot — provides even more reasons to consider an EMS. The Energy Policy Act was signed into law in 2005 and allows a one-time tax deduction of 60 cents per square foot for installing energy efficient lighting. The same deduction may be available for HVAC controls systems. This one time deduction is said to offset up to 25 percent of a project’s total cost.

Construction of a grocery store is no small feat. The electricians are said to be the workhorses for this type of construction – as one of the most demanding trades on the job site. The Harris Teeter project was a more complex wiring job than most. “Pulling the wiring and ensuring that each specific connection was correct for the building’s energy management system was a job with no room for error at all,” states Robby Hall. “At John Hall Electric, we’ve worked hard to ensure that our crews have the experience and knowledge for this type of complicated situation,” Hall adds.

“I have worked with John Hall Electric on a few projects. Their management team is very accessible and prepared to listen, address and adapt to the needs of the project and the owner. The Harris Teeter project certainly was no exception.”
- Jim Simonds, Project Manager, Armada Hoffler

Owner: Harris Teeter; Builder: Armada Hoffler; Architect: Bondurant Associates Engineering & Architecture.

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