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Learn about utility energy efficiency programs for new facilities and incentives for retrofits of existing buildings. Discover how utility incentives can make energy efficiency projects more financially compelling. Engage with your utility to apply for services and funding for energy efficiency projects.
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Utility Energy Efficiency Programs Mark Bramfitt, P.E. Bramfitt Consulting
Topics • Utility energy efficiency programs for new facilities • Incentives for retrofits of existing data centers • A high-level view of utility program offerings in the US
Why Should You Care? • Utility incentives can make energy efficiency projects more financially compelling • It’s your money – you should try to get it back!
New Construction Programs • Pay incentives for premium EE: • Equipment • Free cooling • DC distribution • Containment • May include design support
“Hitches” in NC Programs • What “baseline” will your design be compared to? • Many premium efficiency designs have lower capex, so are ineligible for incentives!
Data Center Retrofits • Three program designs: • “Deemed rebates” • “Calculated incentives” • Retro-commissioning (“tune up”) • Rebate funding ideally buys paybacks down from two years to one.
Rebates • Buy a qualified product, get a flat rebate payment after submitting application and receipts. • Other than PC Power Management Software, not many offerings for IT or data centers.
Incentive Programs • Submit an application before beginning project, with calculation model predicting savings • Typically pays certain rate per kWh of one-year savings, with a project % cap • M&V reqs vary Tip: Ask your utility if they have standard calculation models, or ask for tech support
RCx or “Tune Up” • Well suited for airflow management improvements • Can use combination of calculation and measurement • Combine with DCIM installation…
Availability • Most utilities offer a C&I calculated incentive program (not DC specific) • Consult your utility for offerings Source: Consortium for Energy Efficiency, State of the Efficiency Program Industry 2011
Hottest States by EE $ Growth Source: Consortium for Energy Efficiency, State of the Efficiency Program Industry 2011
Leading Utilities for DC/IT Programs • California utilities • Pacific Northwest, notably Seattle City Light • NYSERDA and ConED • ComEd • AEP • Duke
Other Utility EE Services • Education and training • PG&E, SMUD, Seattle City Light, Duke • Technical support • Sometimes free, often 50% funding • Can evaluate specific projects or whole facility Tip: Free tech support can help you evaluate vendor claims, and essentially pre-approves you for incentives
Key Take-Aways • Engage with your utility to apply for services and funding for EE projects • If your utility doesn’t offer what you want, lobby them! • New construction incentives can provide “cover” for both you and the utility