Often overlooked and underutilized, your local utility programs are essential, free resources. These programs are goldmines for tight budgets. Not only do they help fund projects, some even provide free or heavily discounted technical assistance such as audits, project scope development, bid evaluations, project management services, and installation.
The next time you look into equipment replacements or a major upgrade for your facility, make sure you take advantage of this free resource at your fingertips. California’s investor-owned utilities (PG&E, SCE, and SDG&E) have dozens of programs designed to help fund more efficient upgrades and to find the equipment with the best return for your specific business.
Maximized Benefits for San Diego Commercial Buildings
If you’re located in or around San Diego, one of the best bang-for-your-buck resources is SDG&E’s Local Capacity Procurement Program (LCPP). Implemented by Willdan, a local engineering firm with national experience, this program offers cash incentives and technical assistance for major HVAC upgrades at qualifying facilities at no cost. The program draws funding from procurement sources and provides local peak demand capacity through energy efficiency to help offset the permanent retirement of the San Onofre Nuclear Generation Station.
LCPP offers incentives that could cover up to 100% of your equipment costs. Program participation is easy, and you can use your preferred contractor for the work. Your Willdan program representative will walk you through a clear comparison of each of your equipment options (with a range of efficiencies) and identify the best ones for your facility based on an analysis of long-term costs, benefits, and available incentives. Visit www.sdge.com/lcpp for more details, or call 800-700-6864 to see if your building qualifies.
Don’t fall into the traps we see most often: making expensive emergency replacements, fronting the full cost of equipment, and choosing an option just because it has the lowest cost. To truly maximize your investments, play the long-game. Consider the money that could be gained from energy savings and utility rebates or incentives.
Written and Submitted by Gwen Snodgrass - Vice President, Willdan Energy Solutions
