By KELLY SPORS, in the Wall Street Journal small business section
Q: How can I find an energy auditor for my business, and what’s the cost?
A: First, check if your business qualifies for a free audit. Many utility companies provide business customers with free or low-cost on-site energy audits, because it’s more beneficial for them to lower customer demand than to supply more energy, says Joel Makower, executive editor of GreenBiz.com, a Web site devoted to helping businesses employ environmentally friendly practices.
As extra incentive, some utilities give hefty rebates and low-interest financing for businesses that implement the suggested improvements, he adds.
If your utility company doesn’t offer audits, look for state-, local- or nonprofit-funded programs designed to boost businesses’ energy efficiency. Some of these offer highly discounted audits. Wyoming, for instance, has a program that subsidizes 75% of the cost of an audit for small businesses, up to $4,000.
You can find out about energy audit programs and potential rebates in your state at
www.dsireusa.org.
If you are served by the Redding Electric Utility, you’re in luck. The city not only provides free residential energy audits, they provide significant incentives and rebates too. For example, one can replace a gas powered lawnmower with a cordless electric, and be eligible for a $125 rebate, and receive another $25 for taking the old mower in to the transfer station. The cost of insulation materials may also be eligible for 75% rebate (up to $1000). For more details, see Redding Electric – energy saving tips and their Earth Advantage Rebate Program page.
Hiring a private auditor yourself can cost anywhere from a couple hundred dollars for the smallest companies to a few thousand dollars for businesses with more facilities and equipment to inspect. To find energy auditors in your area, check out local phone directories or the Residential Energy Services Network, at www.resnet.us. Some auditors only focus on home audits, but others do both homes and businesses.
Not all auditors provide the same level of feedback, however. Ask them upfront how the audit will be conducted, other companies they’ve audited and for samples of results. Also inquire whether the auditor is paid to promote any particular manufacturer’s products.
“In some cases,” Mr. Makower says, “there’s a fine line between an energy audit and a sales promo.”
Keep in mind that an auditor will want specifics to accurately gauge your energy usage, so you should provide them with your energy bills dating back at least one year.
