How Chrysler is keeping the lights on

With the auto industry struggling, the phrase "keeping the lights on" has been used in a variety of reporting and casual conversation. Chrysler has taken the concept to heart, as it has aggressively sought to reduce operating costs through measures such as removing half the fluorescent lights from office space.

Chrysler Director of Paint, Pilot and Facility Operations William Wolf spelled out several steps the company has taken. To mix metaphors, the measures sound like equal parts belt tightening and bailing a leaky boat.

At the massive, 5.3 million square foot Chrysler Technical Center, switching from two to one fluorescent bulb is expected to save about $400,000 in the first year alone. Plus, Wolf points out that less heat will be generated from the light fixtures and therefore reduce the burden on the climate control system. In addition, the temperatures have been lowered by four degrees in the office suites. Four degrees is enough to truly feel it, and the benefit of wearing sweaters is expected to save $70,000 annually. (Read our tips for saving energy.)

Cutting back on snow removal, by letting it pile up on rooftop garages and not trucking away piles from parking lots looks to save over $300,000 this winter.

The one measure that took me by surprise was removing hundreds of clocks. Wolf estimates $10,000 is saved by not powering the clocks, and comments that everyone can check their own watch, BlackBerry, or personal computer. (No comment made on how long BlackBerrys would be used.)

At a time when many taxpayers may be wondering what Chrysler is doing with its billions in federal assistance, these are clear indications of what the company is not doing—using energy and services that can be trimmed back without significantly changing day to day operations. Chrysler is not alone, we've heard other automakers are likewise cutting back. Ultimately, there is a good lesson here for anyone looking to reduce their own household budget—small measures can add up.

Learn how you can save money in our energy-saving guide.

—Jeff Bartlett

Also read:
Chrysler strategic plan asks for a leap of faith
GM, Chrysler submit bailout plans to Congress