PRMC Unveils New Power System

Peninsula Regional Medical Center going off the grid, to some extent.

Friday morning, Governor Larry Hogan and other state officials visiting Salisbury to help power up their new, personal, heat and power system.

A five year development that is not just environmentally friendly, but also cost efficient. Representatives say that the new power system will save the hospital over $500,000 each year.

"We can invest in patient rooms, technology, helping our labor force and recruitment efforts, in loan forgiveness and a variety of ways we can use those dollars," says Dr. Peggy Naleppa, CEO of PRMC.

The new Combined Heat and Power System was funded in part from a $494,000 grant from the Maryland Energy Administration (MEA). Their $6 million personal grid is not only going to help the hospital save money, but also the community. As PRMC creates their own energy, it frees up more resources for residents on high-demand days.

"The power companies have a hard time producing enough power for everybody to use," says Mary Beth Tung, director of the MEA. "The hospital is producing it's own power, so it's not pulling off the grid as much when it is most needed."

PRMC says that they will reduce their carbon footprint by more than 50% and cut 81% of their annual energy consumption. Something that allows them to advance themselves in this region, by investing in the future. 

"It continues to send the message to our community that we care about their health in many ways, whether its breathing and the carbon footprint," said Naleppa. "We are providing critical services, both in a clinical area as well as a non clinical area."

During the event, Governor Hogan announced that the fiscal year 2018 CHP Program has a total of $5.5 million.For more information, you can visit the state's website at energy.maryland.gov.