Energy incentives are designed to encourage more efficient energy usage and reduce the overall demand on regional and local utilities.
Commercial and industrial facilities are some of the biggest energy and electricity consumers. Therefore, many electric utility companies provide specific programs that cover a portion of the cost (sometimes a very significant portion) of energy-saving projects like LED lighting upgrades and smart motors.
But, understanding the world of energy incentive programs can be complicated and overwhelming:
- What could you be eligible for?
- How can you optimize your energy project to make the most of available incentive programs?
- How do you apply for incentives and rebates?
- Where do you start?
- How do you know you secured the maximum amount available?
- Did you take advantage of bonus incentives?
The list goes on.
Navigating the relevant & available incentives is time-consuming and meticulous work.
We take this burden off our customers entirely by having an incentive management team that is dedicated to this specific task. Incentive management is a part of every incentive-eligible PEC project. Our customers are able to leverage our years of expertise with incentive and rebate knowledge.
We asked our Director of Incentives Reed Lehto, (Energy Incentives Extraordinaire – and impressively good long-distance runner) to share a few of the reasons why our customers find so much additional value in the incentive management provided with our turnkey projects.
Why is it important to work with a service provider that partners with incentive programs as a Trade Ally?
Trade Allies are plugged in to the latest and upcoming program updates
Evolving technologies, shifting markets, and updates to state regulations result in constant changes to incentive levels and program funding.
Trade Allies (such as PEC) work closely with programs to stay up-to-date on program offerings, understand program terms and conditions, and are the first to hear about bonus incentives.
Trade allies have established relationships
Relationships matter in the energy efficiency world. We know where to go and who to ask. Thus, we’re able to open doors for your project that may have remained closed otherwise.
How does lighting design impact incentives?
Optimized Design means an Optimized Incentive: THINK TWICE before swapping out fluorescent tubes for TLEDs, or even replacing inefficient fixtures with “value” LED fixtures one-for-one.
Many utilities offer performance-based incentives for designs that achieve optimal light levels with high-efficacy, quality fixtures at appropriate wattages levels, resulting in maximized energy savings and higher incentives.
Additionally, advanced control strategies often trigger higher incentive rates and unlock deeper energy savings. Treating your lighting upgrade as a system redesign and leveraging the appropriate expertise can save you more energy in the long term, and reduce your upfront investment in the short term.
Why do we need to do a thorough energy audit?
Because accuracy counts to gain the full incentive amount. Utilities take a careful look at both your existing lighting system and other systems in your building to verify a project’s estimated energy savings.
The right service provider will ensure that wattages, counts, and other inputs are accurate. A poor audit leads to an inaccurate incentive estimate, leaving you on the hook for a higher net cost than anticipated. Partner with a service provider who knows what to look for and what impact is has on your incentives.
How difficult is the incentive application process?
Surely the application is simple enough?
The application process is often very detailed and time-consuming and often requires site-visits, photos and a significant amount of other paperwork. The right energy service company (ESCO) will keep your paperwork “light”.
You have enough spreadsheets and documents to juggle while managing your business.
As part of the turnkey project management process, a quality service provider will not only save you money, but also time, and should only need you to sign a few incentive documents here and there.
We manage the paperwork, site visits, and all communications with incentive programs.
Work with PEC Incentive Specialists
Taking advantage of energy incentives is critical for maximizing impact of your efficiency upgrade, but can be a confusing and complex process to navigate. The PEC incentive specialist team has built relationships with incentive programs from the largest utilities in North America, and has the expert knowledge required to ensure your project qualifies for and moves seamlessly through the incentive approval and payment process.
We can help you discover the incentives available in your area all across the United States and help assess your eligibility. Reach out to learn more about how we can support your next efficiency investment.
