Office buildings consume more energy than any other building type, according to the U.S. Energy Information Administration. These buildings use 198 billion kWh of electricity each year, equivalent to the amount of electricity consumed by 18 million American homes annually. The cost of this energy usage is on average $1.51 per s/f in office buildings nationwide. That number is closer to $2.50 per s/f in N.Y.C. where buildings consume almost 80% of all energy.
Con Edison's Commercial and Industrial (C&I) Energy Efficiency Program can help to reduce energy consumption in office buildings. This program provides C&I customers cash rebates and incentives for implementing energy efficient solutions and installing energy efficient equipment upgrades. Available for both gas and electric projects, these energy efficiency upgrades can help improve your company's bottom line by reducing energy usage and maintenance costs while increasing operating efficiencies.
Con Edison anticipates these cash rebates and incentives will encourage the completion of energy efficiency projects in the company's service area, which includes N.Y.C. and Westchester County. With rebates and incentives available for both gas and electric, the program offers a variety of participation options. "Since the launch of the C&I Program last summer, we've received over 500 project applications, accounting for nearly 35 million kilowatt hours and 510,000 therms savings and almost $4 million in rebates and incentives for our commercial and industrial customers. Con Edison is committed to providing our customers with the resources they need to lower their energy usage and we encourage more customers to take advantage of these financial incentives," said David Pospisil, Con Edison C&I program manager.
Program Rebate and Incentives that Earn You Cash Back
The Equipment Rebate Program offers cash for the installation of energy efficient equipment, including:
* lighting, lighting fixtures and lighting controls
* heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC)
* furnace, boilers and other gas equipment
* variable frequency drives (VFDs)
* LED exit signs & display case lighting
Examples of efficient equipment replacements that can earn you rebates include replacing, soon to be discontinued T12 lamps* with high-performance T8s (HPT8, 1-4 lamp fixture). The T8 lamp is more efficient - it produces the same amount of lumens as a T12 but uses less power to do so. Another benefit of switching to the T8 is that it appears brighter due to the fact that it has a higher "surface brightness" and a higher color-rendering index (CRI) than the T12. Con Edison is offering $20 per fixture when you upgrade from a T12 to a HPT8.
Some energy saving projects may not qualify for the Equipment Rebate Program, so the Custom Program is offered to provide incentives for your more complex energy efficient projects. Incentives under this option may include, but are not limited to:
* chiller and/or refrigeration system upgrades
* compressed air system improvements
* industrial process improvements
* advanced technology lighting upgrades
As part of Con Edison's comprehensive energy solutions portfolio, they are also providing payments up to 50% of the cost of energy efficient technical studies through an Energy Efficiency Study Incentive. Con Edison C&I customers can have an energy efficiency study of their facilities to evaluate energy use and the recommended steps they can take to increase gas and electric efficiency. Most energy studies will focus primarily on HVAC and control systems, and other major energy using process activities.
Why You Should Participate in the Con Edison's C&I Energy Efficiency Program
Saving money, energy and the environment are simple reasons to participate in Con Edison's C&I Energy Efficiency Program. More specifically, the program provides cash incentives to reduce the cost of your capital investment - a welcome benefit in today's current economic environment. The program also provides customers with a network of approved energy efficiency contractors, distributors, and other energy professionals for your efficient upgrade projects.
The program team is robust, ready and willing to support you on your path to a more efficient future. You can learn more about the Con Edison C&I Energy Efficiency Program by visiting their Web site at conEd.com/energysavings or by calling toll-free 1-877-797-6347.
* The U.S. Department of Energy's fluorescent lighting mandate states as of July 1, 2010 magnetic ballasts most commonly used for the operation of T12 lamps will no longer be produced for commercial and industrial applications. Also, many T12 lamps will be phased out of production starting July 2012.

Courtney Capshaw is the marketing & creative manager at Con Edison C&I Energy Efficiency, New York, N.Y.
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