Over the last three months, SCOCO has been reaching out to hundreds of small Contra Costa businesses about energy efficiency programs. Volunteers have gone door-to- door and spread the word through social media posts. This effort was sponsored by the East Bay Energy Watch (EBEW), a local government partnership in Alameda and Contra Costa counties that runs energy efficiency programs for municipalities, homes, businesses, and nonprofits. SCOCO worked closely with the Contra Costa County Department of Conservation to coordinate outreach via letters and flyers. SCOCO’s role was to educate businesses about rebates and free energy assessments through EBEW’s SmartLights and BEST programs.8095753274?profile=original

The participation process for businesses is relatively simple. They sign up for no-obligation energy assessments to determine whether there are savings opportunities for their lighting, refrigeration, and/or other appliances. Following the assessment, program contractors present proposals to the businesses. Those that decide to proceed with an energy retrofit project often see 50%-75% of their costs offset by available rebates. So far, more than 40 businesses have signed up for energy audits!

Through the SmartLights program, Tower Zone Smoke Shop in Antioch installed new lights, which not only provide cooler temperatures but will increase savings on their energy bill. Although the total cost of the retrofit was $1,857, rebates came out to $1,757, resulting in a net cost of only $100. Kamal Heishan, owner of Tower Zone Smoke Shop, will accrue yearly savings of $1,049 and reduced 3,182 pounds of CO2 emissions. According to Heishan, “It was a very good experience working with SmartLights… the lights make everything look new!”

Over at Collins Industrial Park in Richmond, property manager Jay Fenton faced high  aintenance costs with his energy intensive high bay metal halide lighting. Through SmartLights, he replaced all interior and exterior spaces with energy efficient LED high bay lighting, which has added ceiling space and dramatically decreased maintenance costs. Fenton will realize yearly savings of $10,486 throughout the industrial park, with a payback period of six months.

Given the success with businesses so far, SCOCO and EBEW hope to continue education and outreach efforts throughout the County. The goal for the SCOCO team is to connect with 500 Contra Costa businesses by year’s end.

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