Spiking energy bills and strained power grids have transformed energy efficiency from what was once a forward-thinking and, to some, optional choice to a critical priority for businesses, educational institutions and government agencies, to name a few. In fact, energy efficiency is one of the most cost-effective and easiest ways to improve the bottom line, preserve the environment, and meet mounting regulatory and compliance requirements, among other benefits.
Challenges overcome
Many facility/property managers lack the resources or time to devote to energy efficiency. Others are unsure of how to begin and navigate through the process. However, with more programs, products, services and financing options available than ever before, efficiency goals can be achieved more easily, effectively and economically than they were only a few years ago.
Fortunately for those prepared to elevate their equipment’s energy efficiency, your local utility offers the Direct Install Program. The program provides a turnkey solution that makes it both easy and affordable to upgrade to qualified high-efficiency electric and naturalgas alternatives.
Top benefits
- Reduced costs, increased profits and improved bottom line
- Streamlined and more efficient operations
- Positive positioning before consumers, investors and other stakeholders – and competitive advantage
- Enhanced reputation, brand recognition, and corporate social responsibility and sustainability committment
- Environmental stewardship
- Regulatory compliance and eligibility for financial incentives, tax benefits and grants
- More productive and comfortable workplace, positively influencing employee morale and productivity, and visitor experience
- Resilient and future-proofed processes and practices
- Lower burdens on power grids and minimized need for excessive energy import
Eligible systems and equipment
- Heating, ventilation and air-conditioning (HVAC) systems
- Refrigeration
- Pipe insulation
- Hot-water conservation devices
- Lighting retrofits for interior and exterior spaces
- Controls
- Boilers and hot-water heaters
- Furnaces, chillers and heat pumps
- Programmable thermostats
- Automated climate controls
- Site-specific custom projects
- Among others
Roadmap for mitigating energy costs and building the bottom line
Direct Install was designed specifically for New Jersey-based small to mid-sized commercial and industrical JCP&L, PSE&G, Atlantic City Electric, and Rockland Electric customers, including nonprofits and government agencies, with a monthly peak demand of 200 kW or less. Customers include property owners, tenants and managers. The program has six essential elements for transforming a facility into a more energy-efficient operation.
1. Approved trade allies
Customers select the contractor, who provides sales and installation services, from a network of Trade Allies authorized by the local New Jersy utility company. Customers also have the option to use their own contractor, provided the contractor meets all program requirements.
2. Energy assessment
The contractor performs a no-cost, no-obligation facility energy assessment, recommends efficiency upgrades and provides a detailed proposal. The proposal includes a cost estimate as well as eligible incentives, and payment amount and schedule. Customers then decide on the upgrade(s) to be performed, sign a scope of work agreement and the contractor creates a convenient project timeline.
3. Turnkey program
Once the customer decides to proceed with the recommended upgrade(s), all next steps from start to finish are seamlessly managed by the contractor and the Direct Install Program manager.
4. Incentives
Your local utility pays up to 80% of upgrade costs, with the remaining costs repaid by customers when the project is completed either over five years, interest free, or in one lump-sum payment. The advantages of the incentives are minimized customer out-of-pocket costs, maximum return on investment and immediate benefits from savings in energy costs.
5. Inspections
The local utility company, using a program-management partner, reserves the right to inspect the facility before and after the installation to confirm equipment installation before payment.
