Ian McAuliffe
Energy Engineer
In the past few months we have seen major changes in energy efficiency rebates for our customers and potential clients. Most of these rebates focus around the retirement of T12 lighting technology, which we have covered in previous blog posts. Many utility companies are reducing their rebates until December of 2012 and the future of the rebates is unknown.
One of the most powerful examples comes from a potential client that we are trying to help in the DP&L Energy provider area. The school district was hesitant about performing a T12 retrofit project and unfortunately the wait caused the district to see over $45,200 in rebates disappear. These reductions made an easily capitalized and quick payback project into a project with a nearly 5-year payback. Unfortunately, the project still needs to be completed since they will no longer be able to purchase T12 lamps or ballast and have a requirement by the state to reduce their electricity usage by 20% by 2014.
Plug Smart was brought on board recently after they lost these rebates to help because of our experience, relationships, and other funding options. With PJM funding included, we are anticipating that we will help recover $65,610 in rebates, which will not be the full previous rebate amount, but will allow them to complete the T12 project that needs to be done.
Why is this important to your business or school? If Plug Smart was aware of this clients needs before these rebates disappeared, we would have been able to help them make the decision. This would have resulted in their anticipated rebates to be $110,899 rather than $86,262, and the project would have been completed before the students started the new school year.
At Plug Smart we have great working relationships with all of the energy providers in Ohio and the majority in the Midwest. Our engineers work directly with your organization and the energy company’s rebate teams to maximize the rebate for you. We also are involved with the legislature of Ohio Senate Bill 221 to keep a watchful eye out for our customers and protect their rebate dollars.
