At Gateway 26, the largest merchandise casino on the Wildwoods Boardwalk featuring 400 slot machines, over 150 cranes, arcade games and more, creating a comfortable environment for its customers has always been a priority. Thanks to Hutchinson, a trade ally for Atlantic City Electric\u2019s Small Business Direct Install Program, the business has taken its energy solutions and savings to the next level.<\/p>\n
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“Working with Hutchinson for our second Direct Install project has been an absolute game-changer for our business,\u201d says Brian Sharpe, managing partner. \u201cWe were referred to Hutchinson by Atlantic City Electric in 2014 for our first project, and after 10 years the HVAC equipment sure takes a beating from the shore salt water. It was time to upgrade again and we knew exactly who to trust.\u201d<\/p>\n
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After conducting an energy assessment to determine Direct Install equipment eligibility, Hutchinson replaced the outdated HVAC units with six high-efficiency rooftop units, a separate gas furnace, and three split systems. Outdated fluorescent lighting was replaced with energy-saving LED lights.<\/p>\n
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\u201cThe difference has been phenomenal,\u201d continues Sharpe. \u201cIn the past, we struggled with keeping certain areas comfortable, especially our popular ‘crane’ game room featuring \u201cclaw machines.\u201d It used to be so hot in there, but this year it\u2019s been a completely different story – customers are actually staying longer because the space is finally comfortable.\u201d<\/p>\n
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The LED lighting upgrade was another big win. October energy bills dropped dramatically, and Hutchinson handled everything, so Gateway 26 didn\u2019t have to pull their team off other projects. Plus, unlike the old fluorescent lights, the LEDs don\u2019t generate extra heat, which is a big plus in the summer.<\/p>\n
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The best part? The Direct Install program paid nearly 80% of the total project cost, and Gateway 26 also took advantage of financing for 5 years at 0% interest.<\/p>\n
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\u201cWith business expenses rising, this program was unbelievably beneficial for us. Our electricity bills have gone down, and this year, we paid significantly less. Other people don\u2019t believe the savings we\u2019re getting, but it\u2019s 100% true. Hutchinson does everything \u2013 you just sit back and enjoy the savings,\u201d says Sharpe.<\/p>\n
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\u201cThe entire process with Hutchinson was so smooth\u2014everything they promised, they delivered. If I had to rate them on a scale of 1 to 10, I\u2019d give them an 11. We\u2019re beyond thrilled with the results and can\u2019t recommend Hutchinson and the Direct Install program enough!”<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"