Stop & Shop Energy Plan Helps Avert Summer Brownouts

Stop & Shop is participating in a program that reduces its energy usage at 415 stores — all of its more than 360 stores, as well as some at sister Ahold division Giant Food, Landover, Md. — during times of peak energy demand such as are experienced during the summer months.

QUINCY, Mass. — Stop & Shop here is participating in a program that reduces its energy usage at 415 stores — all of its more than 360 stores, as well as some at sister Ahold division Giant Food, Landover, Md. — during times of peak energy demand such as are experienced during the summer months. Under the program, managed by Enernoc, Boston, “non-essential lighting” over the sales floor is turned off during daylight hours to help prevent brownouts or blackouts in neighboring communities, said Paul Grenier, manager of energy, budgeting and procurement for Stop & Shop. “We turn off our lights so our customers can keep theirs on.” The energy reductions are specified by ISO (independent system operator) units throughout the Stop & Shop and Giant Food operating areas. Stop & Shop began the program in June 2005.