Did you know Citizens Energy Group’s steam utility helps put garbage to good use?
Citizens’ Perry K Steam Plant produces steam for large industrial and commercial customers using boilers fueled by natural gas. The steam is used for space heating, water heating, and various manufacturing processes – including steam energy for the production of chilled water at Citizens West Street Chilled Water Plant.
Not only does Citizens distribute steam produced at Perry K, the utility also purchases steam from Covanta Energy. This waste-to-energy company owns and operates the Indianapolis Resource Recovery Facility, which burns waste from Marion and seven surrounding counties in boilers to create steam. Citizens purchases all the steam produced by Covanta and supplements with steam produced at the Perry K plant to reliably meet system demand and provide the lowest cost to our customers. Covanta produces approximately half of the total steam that Citizens distributes to its customers on an annual basis.
Using steam produced from burning waste not only saves money, it also reduces greenhouse gases and provides another reliable source of energy for the steam system. Producing energy from waste creates smaller environmental impacts than disposing of the waste in a solid waste landfill where methane is produced as the waste decomposes.
AMERICA RECYCLES DAY IS NOVEMBER 15
In celebration of America Recycles Day on November 15, Citizens Energy Group’s Sustainability Advisory Committee would like to provide our employees with a few reminders about our Mixed Stream Recycling Program.
Recycling plays an important role in contributing to a sustainable future; it can reduce reliance on landfills and help conserve natural resources. We encourage our employees to make a collective effort to protect our environment through recycling. Thank you for doing your part!
How do I recycle at Citizens?
- Use only containers with clear plastic liners for recyclables. Typically, these can be found at each work station and in each meeting room.
- Recyclable items include flattened cardboard, paper, metal cans, glass, plastic bottles and plastic jugs.
- Never recycle anything smaller than a credit card.
- Make sure your recyclables are rinsed and mostly dry.
What goes in the trash?
Anything other than what’s listed above – including food waste, greasy pizza boxes, electronics, and Styrofoam – should be placed in containers with black plastic liners. Typically, these will be found in common areas, restrooms, or at the end of hallways.
