February 2007 Rebate Report: Spotlight: Commissioning Incentives

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Saving Energy Through Enhanced Building Operations

The term commissioning describes the process of ensuring that a new building’s systems are designed, installed, and tested to perform in accordance with its operational requirements. Commissioning an existing building that had been commissioned previously is called re-commissioning, while commissioning an existing building that had never undergone the procedure is called retro-commissioning.

Studies show that commissioning a building can reduce its energy use by 5 to 20%. The cost of whole-building commissioning in new construction settings is typically between 0.5 and 1.5% of the total construction budget. The cost of retro-commissioning existing buildings is typically between 3 and 5% of annual operating cost.

Utilities, governments, and other agencies have shown increasing support for these lowcost/no-cost approaches to reducing energy demand and use. The following table offers a sample of program types frsom around the country. It is divided into four principal categories: 1) incentives for new and existing buildings; 2) support and/or consulting services; 3) support for LEED-related or otherwise “green” buildings; and, 4) commissioning tools and resources for building operators.

In many cases, incentives for commissioning are rolled into the utility’s custom program, where incentive amounts are based on actual savings realized or utilityverified savings calculations.

Please note: Due to publication timing restrictions, data contained herein are only current through December 31, 2006. While most programs will be offered again in 2007, program verification is recommended as details are subject to change.

PROGRAMS OFFERING INCENTIVES FOR COMMISSIONING OF NEW AND/OR EXISTING BUILDINGS

XCEL ENERGY– CO

CONTACT DATA: (800) 481-4700

PROGRAM: Recommissioning Tune-Up

PROGRAM DETAILS: Up to half of cost of study funded, not to exceed $15,000. Buildings = 50,000 ft2 are eligible.

SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA EDISON – CA

CONTACT DATA: (800) 942-0263, sce-rcx@peci.org. Note: Similar programs are available in PG&E (866) 513-1875 and SDG&E (866) 961-6144, sandiegorcx@peci.org) territories.

PROGRAM: Retrocommissioning

PROGRAM DETAILS: Administered by Portland Energy Conservation, Inc. (PECI). Program is for existing commercial and institutional buildings having = 100,000 ft2 of conditioned space and central HVAC plants with direct digital controls. Grocery stores larger than 30,000 ft2 may also apply. Screening and retrocommissioning study is funded by program. Building owners should have own funding available for measures with one year or less payback (incentives available for paybacks longer than one year). Staff training on selected measures is also funded.

SEATTLE CITY LIGHTS – WA

CONTACT DATA: Bill Durland (206) 684-3274 or bill.durland@seattle.gov

PROGRAM: Building Commissioning Assistance

PROGRAM DETAILS: Educational materials, links to qualifi ed commissioning professionals, and fi nancial incentives from $5,000 to $10,000, depending on the size of the construction budget, are offered (min. $5,000,000 budget).

UNITED ILLUMINATING COMPANY – CT

CONTACT DATA: Michael Doucette (203) 499-2764 or michael.doucette@uninet.com.

PROGRAM: Energy Opportunities (Retrocommissioning)

PROGRAM DETAILS: Utility pays 100% of the retrocommissioning study cost, and customer receives 50% reimbursement of costs incurred implementing recommended measures.

PROGRAMS OFFERING SUPPORT AND/OR CONSULTING SERVICES

COMMONWEALTH EDISON – IL

CONTACT DATA: (877) 4-ComEd-1

PROGRAM: Commissioning Services and Consulting

PROGRAM DETAILS: New construction or retrofi t building projects are eligible for expert technical support and commissioning consultation throughout the project.

MASSACHUSETTS ELECTRIC (NATIONAL GRID) – MA

CONTACT DATA: (800) 322-3223 or click here for form

PROGRAM: Quality Assurance/Performance Testing

PROGRAM DETAILS: Utility provides supervision of independent contractors throughout construction process, conducts on-site tests, and resolves problems with installed equipment.

OMAHA PUBLIC POWER DISTRICT – NE

CONTACT DATA: Jinrong Wang, P.E. (402) 636-3539 or jwang@oppd.com

PROGRAM: Continuous Commissioning Services

PROGRAM DETAILS: Continuous Commissioning is an ongoing process intended to optimize existing systems, improve comfort and aid in designing and implementing retrofi t projects. Offered jointly with Energy Systems Laboratory, University of NE-Lincoln.

PROGRAMS OFFERING SUPPORT FOR LEED AND/OR GREEN BUILDING INITIATIVES

NYSERDA – NY (Central Hudson Gas & Electric, ConEd, NIMO, NYSEG, Orange & Rockland Utilities, and Rochester Gas & Electric)

CONTACT DATA: ( 866) NYSERDA or Local: (518) 862-1090

PROGRAM: Green Building Services PON 913

PROGRAM DETAILS: NYSERDA provides commissioning services in support of LEED certifi cation requirements; commissioning insures that the effi ciency of the building systems is maximized in compliance with the LEED’s Energy and Atmosphere category.

PROGRAMS OFFERING COMMISSIONING TOOLS AND/OR RESOURCES FOR BUILDING OPERATORS

OREGON DEPARTMENT OF ENERGY – OR

CONTACT DATA: Andrzej Pekalski (800) 221-8035 (in Oregon), (503) 378-4040 (in Salem or out of state) or andrzej.t.pekalski@state.or.us

PROGRAM: Commissioning for Better Buildings in OR

PROGRAM DETAILS: Commissioning is supported and encouraged by providing Technical Services, Educational Tools, and Commissioning Agent contact data to interested parties.

MONTANA DEPARTMENT OF ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY – MT

CONTACT DATA: Brian Green, Montana Department of Environmental Quality, (406) 841-5230

PROGRAM: Commissioning Resources - Large Buildings

PROGRAM DETAILS: Guides, resources and materials for the MT DEQ provided through DOE Rebuild America Program and NWEEA.

Copyright 2007 RealWinWin, Inc. The data contained herein are provided for information purposes only. Accuracy is not guaranteed as programs are subject to change. RealWinWin disclaims any liability resulting from discrepancies. Visit www. realwinwin.com for further information. Submit inquiries to nfo@realwinwin.com.