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How South County Brewing Cut Energy Costs by 50% with Strategic Energy Management

When South County Brewing expanded from their original 4,000 square foot pole building to a massive 29,000 square foot facility in Fawn Grove, PA, founders Sam and Kellee Terroso knew they needed more than just additional space—they needed a strategic energy partner who could help them manage the substantial power demands of brewing 18,000 barrels of beer annually.

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The Energy-Intensive Reality of Craft Brewing

Modern craft brewing is an energy-intensive operation that goes far beyond simply mixing ingredients. South County’s brewing process requires significant energy for:

  • Heating large volumes of water to precise temperatures
  • Generating steam for various brewing stages
  • Operating extensive refrigeration and chilling systems throughout production
  • Maintaining temperature-controlled warehousing environments
  • Powering packaging and distribution equipment

For a growing brewery, energy costs can quickly become one of the largest line items in the operating budget, directly impacting profitability and the ability to reinvest in the business.

The Challenge: Scaling Up While Controlling Costs

As South County Brewing prepared for their major facility expansion, they faced a critical challenge that many growing manufacturers encounter: how to accurately forecast and control utility costs in a larger, more complex operation. The unpredictability of utility pricing made it difficult to:

  • Create accurate production budgets
  • Plan for seasonal variations in energy usage
  • Make informed decisions about equipment investments
  • Maintain competitive pricing for their products

The Terrosos needed a partner who could provide not just competitive rates, but also the expertise to help them navigate the complex energy marketplace and create long-term cost stability.

A Comprehensive Energy Solution

Shipley Energy approached South County’s energy needs holistically, addressing both immediate cost concerns and long-term operational efficiency. The solution encompassed:

Electricity and Natural Gas Supply: By leveraging our position in the deregulated energy market, we secured fixed-rate contracts that provided price protection and budget certainty. This strategic procurement approach eliminated the volatility of default utility rates.

Energy Planning and Consulting: Our Energy Advisors team worked closely with South County to analyze their usage patterns, identify efficiency opportunities, and develop strategies for managing capacity costs—a often-overlooked component of commercial energy bills.

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The Results: Substantial Savings and Peace of Mind

The partnership between South County Brewing and Shipley Energy delivered impressive results:

  • $16,000 annual savings on electricity compared to default utility rates
  • $13,000 annual savings on natural gas through strategic procurement
  • Nearly 50% reduction in overall energy costs through fixed pricing and marketplace expertise
  • Stable, predictable energy budgets enabling better financial planning and growth investments

Beyond the immediate cost savings, South County gained something equally valuable: a true energy management partner who understands the unique demands of food and beverage manufacturing.

Why Energy Management Matters for Breweries

The craft brewing industry has experienced tremendous growth, but with that growth comes increased competition and pressure on margins. Energy management represents one of the most impactful ways breweries can:

  • Improve profitability without compromising product quality
  • Enhance sustainability efforts through efficient energy use
  • Create competitive advantages through lower operating costs
  • Enable reinvestment in equipment, facilities, and market expansion

Your Brewery’s Energy Future

South County Brewing’s success story demonstrates that strategic energy management isn’t just about finding lower rates—it’s about partnering with an energy provider who understands your industry’s unique needs and can deliver comprehensive solutions.

Whether you’re planning an expansion like South County, looking to reduce current operating costs, or simply seeking more predictable energy budgets, the right energy partner can make a substantial difference to your bottom line.

For breweries, food manufacturers, and hospitality businesses throughout Pennsylvania, Maryland, Delaware, and New Jersey, Shipley Energy offers the expertise, resources, and commitment to help you achieve your energy management goals.

Get Energy Help

Ready to explore how strategic energy management could benefit your brewery or food manufacturing operation? Contact our commercial energy team at 717-771-0772 or clientsupport@shipleyenergy.com to schedule a consultation. Learn more about our commercial energy solutions at ShipleyEnergy.com/Commercial.

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