(Electric) Commercial and Industrial Energy Efficiency Programs

Summary

All Connecticut Utilities implement electric and gas efficiency rebate programs funded by Connecticut's public benefits charge through the Energy Efficiency Fund. Eversource Energy, The United Illuminating Company, Connecticut Natural Gas, and Southern Connecticut Gas commercial customers can access the following programs:

The Small Business Energy Advantage provides an energy professional to analyze energy use and design a plan to lower consumption and energy costs. The energy assessment is free. The Program provides loans up to $100,000 at 0% interest rate. 

The Operations & Maintenance Services programs help commercial and industrial customers improve the maintenance and operation of electric equipment. Through the Connecticut Energy Efficiency Fund, utilities will pay part or all of the cost for analysis and installation of measures which meet the program requirements. Cost to the customer for analysis will be reimbursed at project completion. Measures are decided by the result of the energy assessment and vary at each facility. Some of the more common measures include: modifications to existing energy management sytems, pumps, and fans, HVAC and compressed air.

The Cool Choice Program offers rebates to commercial, industrial or agricultural customers of the United Illuminating Company that install high-efficiency air conditioning and air to air heat pump systems. The amount of the rebate varies depending on the SEER, EER, HPSF and size. Pre-approval from participating electric utility or sponsor required if the rebate total is greater than $5,000. Applications must be received within 30 days of equipment installation.

The Express Lighting Rebate Program is provided to install energy efficient lighting fixtures into already existing facilities. New construction projects are not eligible. There must be at least a 10% system wattage reduction between the old and new system wattage for the project to qualify. A wide range of lighting equipment, including sensors, is eligible for rebates on a per-unit basis ranging from $10 to $50 per fixture. 

Customers may also be interested in the Retro-Commissioning Program, which helps facilities significantly cut costs through optimizing equipment. Commissioning reports recommend certain energy efficient measures to be carried out by pre-approved energy efficiency professionals.