Upfront costs are a major barrier to implementing energy efficiency projects in businesses. An important goal of energy efficiency policies and programs is to help minimize these upfront project costs, so owners are encouraged to invest in energy reduction improvements. Savings and time investment are factors to consider when an energy upgrade project is offered to the customers.
Many utilities in New York and other states offer incentives, grants or rebates to buildings that install systems that reduce their overall energy consumption. These monetary facilities are funded by charging utility customers in specific rate classes, a monthly bill adjustment factor. Yet, participating in these programs is time consuming, complicated and sometimes expensive.
These payments are based on the energy savings the project provides and DVM’s fees are 100% contingent on securing and maximizing these cash incentives for our clients.
Our job is to help clients navigate through this complicated process with often-lengthy applications and bureaucratic paperwork and maximize rebates to offset the capital cost of each project . We identify and quantify the most suitable programs for our clients by negotiating with the utilities, filling out applications, arranging all pre and post inspections needed and getting rebate approvals. In addition, our fees are fully contingent on securing and maximizing these cash payments for our clients.
What energy projects are eligible?
The incentives offered by utilities can be summarized as follows:
- LED Lighting: LED lighting systems can reduce over 40% of the lighting operating cost. A variety of prescriptive and custom incentives are available for LED lighting uprades.
- EC Motors: EC motors are installed in fan powered boxes, fan coil units, dry coolers and RTU-s to reduce energy consumption.
- Mechanical System Upgrades: Incentives available for Variable Frequency Drives, heater, ventilation and air conditioner upgrades.
- Elevators: Rebates offered for converting from old motor generator sets to solid state drivers and A/C motors.
- Weatherization: Insulation and weatherization provide resistance to heat flow and reduces heating and cooling costs.
What type of buildings are eligible?
There is no standard classification of customer size or type to be eligible to participate in an energy incentive program. The requirements to join the an incentive program depend on the type and size of project, type, size and location of the building.
Commercial and Industrial properties and multi-family building complexes that are installing permanent energy improvements for new construction and existing buildings, inclusive of:
- offices
- residential buildings
- industrial facilities
- hospitals
- retail spaces
- educational centers