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BPA Energy Efficiency to increase Commercial & Industrial lighting credits/reimbursements
Mar 6 2009
Bonneville Power Administration (BPA) Energy Efficiency is increasing by an average of 48 percent the amount it will pay Northwest public utilities for conservation from commercial and industrial lighting energy efficiency projects. Public utilities will implement the changes in their retail energy efficiency rebate programs according to their local strategies, but the trend should be that rebates will increase dramatically throughout the region. Higher rebates from utility programs will create greater opportunity for trade allies to grow their businesses by selling efficiency, which is clearly good news in these difficult economic times.
The changes will be effective for projects completed after January 1, 2009, that are reported to BPA using a new version of their lighting calculator spreadsheet. The new spreadsheet, which will be available for use on Monday, February 2, includes several simplifications to make it easier to use. As always, trade allies should check with the local utility about any changes to program rebates and updates to the calculator. The Northwest Trade Ally Network staff can assist allies in contacting utilities regarding projects.
With energy efficiency targets increasing throughout the region, these actions by BPA come at a crucial time. "Lighting upgrades are a huge area of potential energy savings. Higher incentive payments should give businesses the confidence to invest in efficiency projects despite the current economic climate. That means more work for trade allies and more efficiency for the region," said Ray Hartwell, manager, BPA Energy Efficiency Lighting Program. Visit BPA's Web site for more information on these changes.
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