At the 2013 ProMat Expo, there was much discussion about utility incentive programs, battery charger incentive programs and energy efficiency standards. Whether motives to improve energy efficiency come from “go green” mandates or cost reduction efforts, there are a variety of state, regional, and national programs offering incentive rebates to facilitate the implementation of cost-effective energy efficiency improvements for business customers.
TYPES OF INCENTIVES
Prescriptive Incentives
These are defined incentives available for energy efficiency equipment upgrades and improvements and vary greatly from program to program.
Custom Incentives
Custom incentives are available to customers for more unique or more complex energy saving measures. Custom incentives generally include measures that result in a reduction in energy usage because of an improvement in system efficiency. Applicants must provide sufficient information to support the energy savings estimates. Depending on the program, terms vary and incentive caps may apply.
FIND A PROGRAM
BATTERY CHARGER INCENTIVES
Many utility incentive programs do not explicitly list battery chargers as an offering. However, in general, utilities will consider a custom incentive if the energy savings are justified.
Sample of utility programs that offer incentives specifically for battery chargers:
- This program supports High Frequency chargers as a way to shorten payback on capital costs and as a way to save energy and reduce electricity costs.
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The program for energy efficient battery chargers offers an incentive of $230 per charger. See terms and specifications in this battery charger incentive worksheet.
- This program offers varying degrees of incentives for replacing existing ferroresonant or SCR chargers with 3-phase, high frequency chargers. An application running 2 shifts per day, for example, is eligible for an incentive of $250 per charger.