Northern Utilities - Commercial Energy Efficiency Programs

September 09, 2009

Summary

Northern Utilities offers rebates for multifamily customers, small/medium businesses and large businesses. Eligible multifamily buildings have more than four units, a master-metered account, and use gas heat and/or gas hot water. Customers who have a commercial or industrial building that has an annual gas usage of 40,000 therms or less qualify for the small/medium business customers program. All gas customers whose annual use exceeds 40,000 therms, plus all municipal buildings, hospitals, and universities, qualify for the large business program. Eligible energy efficient upgrades are similar for all three programs with slight variations; customers should check the website for which measures qualify in which programs. Upgrades include: attic, roof, wall, ceiling, floor, basement, heating pipe, duct and hot water pipe insulation, temperature turn down, boiler reset control, automatic temperature controls, water heater tank rap, low-flow showerheads, faucet aerators, heat recovery potential, chillers, etc. Each program also offers a custom program that includes all of the above as well as heating system electronic/pilotless ignition, burner replacement, and other measures determined on a site-specific basis. Northern Utilities will also perform an energy audit for commercial and industrial customers, make recommendations, and pay 50% of the qualified installation cost of suggested upgrades, up to a maximum of $50,000. In addition, Northern Utilities will pay large business customers 50% (up to $7,500) of the cost of a scoping study. Customer must sign a Partners in Energy Installation Agreement prior to the commencement of any energy-related work. Northern Utilities, as a member of GasNetworks, also offers high efficiency space and water heating equipment rebates. Rebates range from $25 to $1,300, depending on equipment type. All equipment must meet certain energy efficiency standards listed on the program web site.