What Does Renewable Energy Mean for Food Retail?

Promoting and Advancing Petroleum Marketing, Retail Grocery, and Convenience Stores in West Virginia

Driving Local Business and Community Growth Across West Virginia

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OMEGA is a West Virginia-based organization dedicated to supporting and advancing the business interests of the state’s petroleum marketing, retail grocery, and convenience store industries.

As a network of over 225 locally owned businesses, OMEGA actively promotes cooperation, advocates for favorable legislation, and provides education and resources to its members. With over 50,000 employees, OMEGA members significantly contribute to the state’s economy, generating more than 10% of all state taxes and supporting local communities through scholarships, charitable donations, and civic involvement.

OMEGA is committed to fostering industry growth while serving West Virginians with essential services like fuel, food, and convenience.

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Your Essential Connection in West Virginia

OMEGA offers three types of membership: Convenience Store Members, Petroleum Marketer Members, and Grocer Members, all of which play a vital role in providing fuel, food, and essentials across West Virginia. As a liaison with state and national agencies, OMEGA works closely with organizations like NACS, PMAA, FMI, and the N.G.A. to advocate on behalf of its members.

We keep members informed through newsletters, legislative updates, an online resource hub, and educational seminars. Additional member benefits include access to the Encova Workers’ Compensation Discount Program and participation in our annual Trade Expo and fundraising efforts for children’s charities. OMEGA is here to support, advocate, and enhance the success of our industry members.

In the last decade, food retailers have made notable efforts in the area of renewable energy to reduce the environmental impact caused from operation expenses.

By: Andy Harig, Senior Director, Sustainability, Tax & Trade, Food Marketing Institute <img src="https://www.fmi.org/images/default-source/blog-images/solar-farm.tmb-large-350-.jpg?sfvrsn=480a706e_1" data-displaymode="Thumbnail" alt="Solar Farm" title="Solar Farm" style="float: right; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: 10px;" />In the last decade, food retailers have made notable efforts in the area of renewable energy to reduce the environmental impact caused from operation expenses. In 2007, The <a href="https://www.thehersheycompany.com/en_us/responsibility/good-business/environmental-sustainability.html">Hershey Company</a> introduced a conservation program to optimize energy and lower manufacturing costs. Price Chopper followed by installing <a href="http://understandingchp.com/files/2016/01/Pricechopper-CP.pdf">stationary fuel cells</a> at three store locations. The installation provides energy security for perishable items and lessens the building’s carbon footprint by 71 tons. Recently, <a href="https://www.aholddelhaize.com/en/sustainable-retailing/sustainable-retailing-in-practice/climate-impact/">Ahold Delhaize</a> added more than <a href="https://www.aholddelhaize.com/en/media/media-releases/stop-shop-to-open-new-wayland-mass-store-nov-16/">600 rooftop solar panels</a> to improve energy efficiency in their facilities, as well as, the efficiency of their transport methods. These are exciting steps forward, but in an era of cheap energy and low fuel prices it can be tough to make the case for investing in renewables. With the energy market in a period of rapid and remarkable transformation, how should companies consider using renewable energy? A recent interview with Schneider Electric offers retailers some insights into both the misconceptions and opportunities surrounding renewable energy. Without a doubt the biggest misconception surrounding a move towards investing in renewable energy is that it can be prohibitively expensive. The price of renewables has significantly dropped, which lowers the cost of adoption. Today, depending on what companies are trying to achieve, they can use a portfolio of renewable choices to ultimately surpass conventional fuel prices and save money. Schneider acknowledges that stepping outside established practices can feel risky, but innovation offers long-term rewards. Recent developments in renewable energies will provide companies with new, affordable ways to meet their goals. Technologies like microgrids, microturbines, blockchain and carbon capture yields exciting opportunities for retailers to explore for their facilities, and more broadly, for their supply chains. There are many exciting things happening in renewable energy as industries look to become more sustainable.  Retailers should remember that it wasn’t so long ago that we were worried about $150 a barrel oil; today’s low energy prices aren’t necessarily going to last forever.  Renewables just might be the hedge that retailers need to keep them strong and profitable in the long-term. Learn how retailers can use clean technology to achieve economic prosperity and better business at the <a href="https://www.fmi.org/sustainabilitysummit/register">2017 Global Sustainability Summit</a> on August 9-11 in Nashville, Tennessee. <a href="https://www.fmi.org/sustainabilitysummit/register">Register here</a>.

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Supporting West Virginia Communities

OMEGA members play a vital role in West Virginia, supporting communities through substantial tax contributions and a wide-reaching presence across the state. With over 55% of the population living in border counties, our members are dedicated to serving both local and regional needs. Beyond business, we’re proud to give back, having contributed over $3.1 million to children’s charities since 2003, reflecting our commitment to making a positive difference.