Lighting typically accounts for more than one third of the energy costs of a business, yet a large number of businesses are operating with outdated lighting systems. Simply upgrading to new, energy-efficient LEDs can reduce the lighting energy needs of a business by as much as 75% and save 40-60% in energy costs for lighting.
The East Bay Energy Watch (EBEW) is a local government partnership between Contra Costa and Alameda Counties and PG&E. The goal of EBEW for businesses is to provide both technical and financial assistance for becoming more energy efficient through simple and practical energy upgrades, like upgrades to lighting.
Business owners are busy running businesses and often don’t have extra time to dedicate to researching and implementing energy upgrades. This is where EBEW can provide assistance. EBEW streamlines the energy upgrade process, and minimal effort is required on the end of the business to participate in the program. As part of the EBEW program, business owners first receive a free energy assessment where a trained professional visits onsite and provides a detailed cost, benefits and savings analysis for energy upgrades to lighting, HVAC and refrigeration. Should the owner decide to progress with the upgrades, EBEW will help the business secure vetted contractors and significant limited-time rebates, which typically cover 50-100% of the cost for the upgrades. Most business owners enjoy a return on investment from the upgrades within the first year.
Sustainable Contra Costa is enthusiastically supporting EBEW through direct outreach to local businesses throughout Contra Costa County, informing them about energy upgrade incentives and assistance available through the EBEW program. If you are a business owner in Contra Costa County interested in registering for a free energy assessment, contact our Programs Coordinator directly at info@sustainablecoco.org for more details. The program runs only until the end of 2016. Make an impact now before it’s too late!
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