Once upon a time in 1954, Story Land opened its doors and families began making dreams and memories. Then came a catastrophic air compressor failure, putting merriment in peril.

“If the air goes away, the rides automatically stop,” said Tim
Shank, the theme park’s Director of Maintenance. “The air compressor powers all of the themed activities and rides.”

Enter the Co-op on its white horse, with the promise of a more energy efficient day.

Who would the pirate parrot be without movement? The singing bandstand without bamboo pipes? Or Dr. Biggelsworth Loopy Labs without softballs shooting out of a canon?

None of them breathe life without air. A real problem when you draw more than 300,000 people between May and October.

“The air is what really brings it alive and turns it from a ride into an experience,” said Shank. “Families have an opportunity to make good memories together.”

After the compressor breakdown and months of renting mobile units, Story Land worked with Eric Sandberg, a Commercial & Industrial Program Administrator for the Co-op’s Energy Solutions team, on a permanent, more energy-efficient solution.

The new model features a variable speed drive that adjusts according to the park’s demand, unlike the previous one, which was either off or on. The upgrade is estimated to save approximately $16,000 annually and qualified Story Land for an energy efficiency incentive of $37,762. Shank credited the Co-op for the smooth process.

“It was nice to have a face, a human to interact with and go through the process and to give face to a business,” Shank said. “It gives the impression that the Co-op or New Hampshire in general cares about energy efficiency. They are sinking time and effort and energy in making sure it’s done right and it’s done well and it’s done by a person. I appreciate that.”