A state-backed program tries to get businesses to save money and electricity.
By Carol Coultas
Business Writer

There’s nothing like cash in hand to make a businessperson sit up and take notice.

That’s the premise behind a new energy conservation program that is offering cash incentives to small businesses that install energy-saving devices. Called Efficiency Maine, the program can tap into $8 million to reward companies with 50 or fewer employees that use less electricity.

Jeff Kelly, vice president of Enterprise Electric in Lisbon Falls, signed on when his company built a new facility in Lisbon Industrial Park this summer. As an electrical contractor, he had already designed his building with energy-saving devices such as motion sensors that trigger lights when someone enters a room. By signing on with Efficiency Maine, Kelly said he could install motion sensors throughout his 30,000-square-foot building for essentially the cost of the labor. Overall, he got nearly $6,000 in rebates on the equipment he installed.

“I think the appeal of the program is cost savings,” said Kelly. “You try to keep the overhead costs down. These (energy-efficient) devices may cost more upfront, but the long-term payback is worth it.”

Kelly was impressed enough with the program to agree to promote it. Since his company does a lot of commercial electrical work, he spreads the word about Efficiency Maine to clients who might be interested in the incentive program. Kelly said it’s particularly helpful with clients who are in the beginning phases of construction or renovation and can design with energy efficiency in mind.

Any business, nonprofit organization, municipality or school with fewer than 50 employees can apply to Efficiency Maine for cash rebates for electrical upgrades or new construction. Some sample rebates: $12 per energy efficient fluorescent fixture; $25 on a dimmable ballast; $50 on a vending machine monitoring device; $200 on an enclosed fan-cooled motor 30 HP to 100 HP. Applications are available at www.efficiencymaine.com.

Representatives of Efficiency Maine are trying to bring on more program allies. Administered by the Public Utilities Commission, the program didn’t get off the ground until April. Its contract comes up for review in January. Lynn Goldfarb, program manager for the small business portion of the program, said targeting electrical suppliers and contractors was a way to get the word out about the program fast.

“We have 93 now and we’re aiming for 100,” said Goldfarb. Among the allies are lighting wholesalers, electricians and mechanical service providers.

The program is also targeting businesses that consume a lot of electricity, such as laundries, grocers, motels and restaurants.

To date, about 60 businesses have taken advantage of Efficiency Maine for incentives that tally about $75,000. Goldfarb said many businesses are in the planning phases for next year’s budget and she hopes they’ll check into Efficiency Maine.

“It really is a bottom-line issue,” said Goldfarb.

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