At the end of January, the City of Philadelphia announced that $27 million in federal funds have been allocated towards programs for small businesses. One of these programs is particularly relevant to businesses as PECO prepares to remove the rate increase cap in 2011, impacting the energy bills of people throughout the city. The GreenWorks Small Business Energy Efficiency Rebate was devised to prepare businesses for these future changes.
The purpose of this program, according to the City’s Commerce Department, is to encourage businesses and commercial property owners to improve the energy efficiency of their operations by investing in structural retrofits and energy efficiency processes or equipment. The program reimburses owners of commercial buildings and businesses who make energy efficiency improvements up to 50% of the costs of these improvements. The maximum rebate amount per applicant is $10,000. All projects must meet two criteria. First, businesses or commercial properties must prove that the improvements made to the building will result in a 20% reduction in annual energy consumption. Secondly, funds used must result in a payback period of no more than 10 years. Typical projects include HVAC, lighting, energy management control systems, windows and insulation, commercial equipment or major appliances, water heating systems, electric motors and in some cases, renewable energy projects. More details are outlined after the jump.
The city is requiring that all applicants first conduct an energy audit or assessment to get professional recommendations on energy saving practices if the project involves structural retrofits or changes in processes. Fortunately, the city has an energy professional who can conduct this assessment for you and this is the first step in the application process. If you use the city’s energy professional, the assessment is free but you will be subject to the city’s timeline. Businesses can also find their own energy professional as long as he or she is one of the following: Professional Engineer, a Certified Engineering Technologist, an architect, a Certified Energy Manager or a Certified Energy Advisor. Projects involving mechanical equipment systems do not require this preliminary assessment.
Energy efficiency upgrades that are of large proportions can take advantage of the GreenWorks Loan Fund for such improvements and there are state resources as well. Remember, the funds are reimbursable so you must have financing or cash to complete the renovations. NKCDC can help identify potential upfront funding. For an application and for additional guidelines, please contact Sarah Corlett at NKCDC at 215-427-0350 ext 111 or contact the city directly. Jeremy Thomas can be reached at jeremy.thomas@phila.gov.
Tags: Businesses, Green
Wonderful to read!