There are a variety of resources out there to help small businesses save energy and money. But many businesses don't know where to start.
Two words: Energy Survey. I always say the first thing to do is get an energy survey of your operations. This is a free service PG&E provides to its business customers. Even if some energy-saving projects have already begun in a company, an energy survey can help businesses put together a game plan. It can be difficult to know where to start for those who don't first understand how their operations use energy.
There are typically quite a few energy-saving opportunities for most businesses that range from no-cost to investment-grade options.
No-cost suggestions include checking time clock settings, adjusting thermostat settings by a couple degrees, and checking the dampers that adjust the amount of outside air to inside air. Low-cost suggestions might include things like installing weather stripping around windows and doors, fixing leaking air ducts, and making sure any products that you buy have the Energy Star Label instead of the minimum standards. Investment-grade options might include upgrading lighting systems, installing network power management software, vending machine controllers, auto-closers for walk-in doors or other devices. There are countless other examples. Incentives Most items that save energy will have an applicable PG&E incentive or rebate program to help cover the cost, but locals can always check with PG&E first by calling or visiting PG&E's website. PG&E has three basic levels of incentive programs: - “Deemed” or “Cash Rebates” program. This program applies to simple retrofits of lighting and other technologies where customers receive pre-designated rebate amounts for certain products.
- “Customized Incentives” program. This program pays incentives for projects that require energy calculations such as changing out chillers, adding variable frequency drives to motors, and basically anything that is not in our Deemed Rebates program. This program requires that customers contact PG&E and fill out an application and getting approval before they start the project.
- “New Construction” or “Savings by Design” program. This program provides incentives for new facilities or expansions when customers design their facilities at least 10 percent more efficient than the minimum title 24 standards.
Businesses can use any vendor or company to do the project, but it's important to first do an energy survey. More information can be found on the business section of www.pge.com.
Good luck on your energy reduction journey. Anyone can arrange for an energy survey by calling PG&E’s Business Customer Service Center at 1(800) 468-4743. Eric Linkugel is the manager of energy solutions and service department at PG&E and a member of the San Luis Obispo Chamber of Commerce's Sustainability and Resources Committee.
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