Frito-Lay facility is off the grid
KILLINGLY, CONNECTICUT - Nearly six years after the Northeast Blackout, the Frito-Lay facility in Killingly has unplugged from the regional power grid.
The 2003 Northeast Blackout began on August 14, 2003 and ultimately affected 50 million people in eight states as well as portions of southeastern Canada. Although changes have been made to help protect against a similar blackout in the future, when companies go off the grid it can only help.
The Frito-Lay building has installed a cogeneration system, which will provide nearly 100% of the facilityÂ’s electricity requirements. Additionally, the waste heat that is generated on site will be converted into steam which will then help manufacture the Frito-Lay snack products on site.
"Today's launch of the cogen system is an example of sustainability and partnership in action," said Leslie Starr Keating, senior vice president, operations, Frito-Lay North America. "Working with the state of Connecticut and the Department of Energy, we are able to invest in sustainable business practices that benefit this community and the country by providing relief to the northeast power grid and using technologies with a lower environmental impact."
The facilityÂ’s cogen system not only allows Frito-Lay to unplug from the regional power grid, it will also reduce the companyÂ’s carbon footprint. The cogen system will reduce the facilityÂ’s carbon dioxide and nitrous oxide emissions.
The project was made possible, in part, through grants from the State of Connecticut and the U.S. Department of Energy.
Related News

France's nuclear power stations to limit energy output due to high river temperatures
PARIS - The high temperature warning has come early this year but will affect fewer nuclear power plants.
High temperatures could halve nuclear power production at plants along France's Rhone River this week.
Output restrictions are expected at two nuclear plants in eastern France due to high temperature forecasts, nuclear operator EDF said. It comes several days ahead of a similar warning that was made last year but will affect fewer plants.
The hot weather is likely to halve the available power supply from the 3.6 GW Bugey plant from 13 July and the 2.6 GW Saint Alban plant from 16 July, the…