GDF SUEZ Energy Resources Helps Lufkin Industries Dramatically Reduce Energy Consumption and Carbon Emissions

HOUSTON, July 19, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- GDF SUEZ Energy Resources, one of the largest retail energy providers in the United States, today announced the completion of an energy efficiency and sustainability project at Lufkin Industries that will reduce the manufacturer's annual energy consumption by nearly 18 percent and decrease annual CO2 emissions by more than 16 million pounds.

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The initiative underscores GDF SUEZ Energy Resources' commitment to helping companies find responsible solutions to environmental challenges. It was conducted in cooperation with American Energy Solutions and included a sizable lighting retrofit implementation at five locations of Lufkin Industries, a supplier of oilfield and power transmission products.

High-efficiency, custom fluorescent fixtures – many including integrated occupancy controls to turn lights off when spaces are unoccupied – were installed in the company's Corporate Office, Buck Creek Location, Foundry, Gear Repair Facility, and Power Transmission Site.

With the new system, Lufkin Industries is projected to save more than $800,000 annually. It also will reduce its total greenhouse gas emissions by an amount equivalent to taking 2,022 passenger cars off the road for a full year. The new system will lower energy use for lighting by nearly 60 percent – or 11,938,207 kWh – a number so significant that Lufkin Industries qualified for two rebate programs as well as Federal tax incentives.

"It's clear that Lufkin Industries shares GDF SUEZ Energy Resources' commitment to efficiency and environmental stewardship," said Ritchie Priddy, Director of Sustainability at GDF SUEZ Energy Resources. "Lufkin's efforts to go beyond cost-cutting measures to implement a more eco-friendly energy management strategy signal a new standard for manufacturing plants throughout the nation."

Steve Reynolds, Foundry General Manager at Lufkin Industries, said that the project reinforces the company's dedication to identifying improvement opportunities that are right for the business and right for the environment.

"GDF SUEZ Energy Resources and American Energy Solutions are leaders in helping companies improve profitability through sustainability," said Reynolds. "They conducted an extensive audit, identified the best opportunity for our business, and completed a lighting upgrade turnkey. It was ultimately a huge success."

Shawn Rash, Senior Vice President of American Energy Solutions, added, "We're pleased to be able to work with an organization like Lufkin Industries. It's evident that they understand the importance of balancing business with the environment and finding innovative solutions for reducing non-essential power consumption."

About Lufkin Industries, Inc.:

Lufkin Industries, Inc. sells and services oilfield pumping units, foundry castings, and power transmission products throughout the world. The company has vertically integrated all vital technologies required to design, manufacture, and market its products. For more information, please visit http://ir.lufkin.com/.

About GDF SUEZ Energy Resources:

GDF SUEZ Energy Resources NA is one of the largest non-residential retail energy suppliers in the U.S. and currently serves commercial and industrial customers in 12 markets: Delaware, Texas, Massachusetts, Maine, Maryland, New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Illinois, Connecticut, Ohio, and Washington, D.C. The company serves over 73,000 accounts for customers having a peak demand ranging from 50 KW to more than 200 MW, with an estimated peak load totaling nearly 10,000 MW.

To learn more about GDF SUEZ Energy Resources, visit www.gdfsuezenergyresources.com or call 1-866-999-8374.

GDF SUEZ Energy Resources is part of the international energy groups International Power and GDF SUEZ. For more information, please visit www.iprplc-gdfsuez.com and www.gdfsuez.com.

About American Energy Solutions:

American Energy Solutions is a leader in delivering comprehensive energy management strategies that integrate greenhouse gas and carbon emission programs, energy efficiency and conservation solutions, and creative procurement alternatives. The company regularly monitors changes in natural gas, electricity, and carbon credit markets to identify energy savings opportunities, develop and implement customized solutions, and conduct ongoing management of energy-related expenses. For more information, please visit www.americanenergy.com.

SOURCE GDF SUEZ Energy Resources