Frequently Asked Questions about BGE's I&C Program
General I&C Questions
1. What is the contact information for the energy efficiency component of BGE’s Smart Energy Savers ProgramSM for Business?
2. Why was the BGE Smart Energy Savers ProgramSM established?
3. How long will BGE’s program be available?
4. Will the programs change from year to year?
5. Who can participate in these programs?
6. Where do the funds come from to pay for the incentives?
7. Who is ICF International and why are they involved?
8. Will my data be kept confidential?
9. Are incentives available to perform a fuel-switching measure?
10. Are incentives available for using renewable energy sources?
11. Are incentives available for gas-consuming devices?
Small Business Lighting Solutions Questions
1. Am I eligible to participate in the Small Business Lighting Solutions program?
2. How do I participate in this program?
3. Do I have to use a specific contractor, or can I find my own?
4. What if I have a specific contractor with whom I have an established working relationship for lighting projects?
5. Does BGE guarantee the performance of the new equipment?
6. What portion of the project do I pay for and how do I pay for it?
7. I was recently presented with an estimate from one of the contractors, and my portion of the bill was more than 20%, why was that?
8. What equipment is eligible under this program?
9. Are other energy-efficient measures like refrigeration or heating and cooling upgrades part of this program?
10. What if I am planning lighting retrofit projects at multiple locations that span across contractor territories?
11. What if I am planning lighting retrofit projects for multiple buildings on separate rate schedules, some are G/GS (fewer than 60kW) and some are GL/P (more than 60kW?)
12. Why am I being charged for recycling costs? Am I able to use my own recycling contractor?
13. Are the lighting controls I currently have in my business compatible with the new lighting system?
14. Is the quality of the lighting in my business going to change?
15. Who conducts the energy analysis?
16. Does the program cover exterior lighting or provide incentives for exterior lighting efficiency measures?
17. Will the replacement bulbs for these new fixtures cost me more than the ones I have now?
18. Will the contractor remove the old materials?
19. Can the work be performed at off-peak hours?
20. Are LED lights available?
21. Does the program cover broken or unused fixtures?
Energy Solutions for Business Questions
Eligibility and Participation
1. Who can participate in the Energy Solutions for Business program?
2. How do I sign up for the program?
3. Are incentives available for measures that are not explicitly covered by the Energy Solutions for Business prescriptive measures?
4. How do I determine what energy efficiency measures are right for my facility?
5. Are engineering studies required for participation in the Energy Solutions for Business Program?
6. We are receiving a grant for the energy efficiency improvement. Does this prevent us from being considered for a BGE incentive?
7. Does Energy Solutions for Business offer free energy audits?
8. My company has a Curtailable Service Provider that participates in PJM’s Reliability Pricing Model (RPM) auction. Can I still participate in BGE’s energy efficiency programs?
9. Can my company offer the energy and capacity benefits associated with these energy efficiency measures into PJM’s Reliability Pricing Model auction?
10. Am I required to use a specific contractor to participate in the program?
11. Is BGE offering any type of commercial financing for customers who are unable to pay their portion of the costs of acceptable measures?
Forms and Applications
1. What happens if the final project changes from what was pre-approved by BGE?
2. If I submit an application and I receive a pre-approval letter, am I obligated to go through with the work?
3. If equipment does not meet the prescriptive eligibility criteria, can it be submitted under the Custom track?
4. Does the program offer incentives for exterior lighting efficiency measures?
5. Do I have to select a contractor before submitting an application?
6. Why do I need to provide my BGE account number?
7. How will I know the status of my application?
8. When should I sign the application form?
9. What do I do if I have more units to include than spaces available on the application form?
10. Who can submit applications?
Incentives
1. Can I receive an incentive for used or refurbished equipment?
2. Is there a maximum amount of money that I can receive?
3. Can I receive the incentive in the form of a bill credit?
4. Does the pre-approval letter guarantee payment of incentives at the full amount?
5. Can I receive incentives for projects where the equipment has already been purchased?
6. Once I receive an incentive, do I have any further obligation with the Energy Solutions for Business program?
7. If my project involves a prescriptive measure, do I have a choice whether to apply using a prescriptive or custom application?
8. How are Custom incentives determined?
9. How does the program determine baselines for Custom measures?
10. Are there any other financial incentives I can take advantage of for energy efficiency improvements?
Service Providers
1. Is there a list of qualified Service Providers?
2. Where can Service Providers learn more about the program?
3. Who receives the rebate check, the customer or contractor?
Retrocommissioning (RCx) Questions
1. What is the difference between the RCx Program and Energy Solutions for Business?
2. Why are there two “types” of RCx services?
3. What are the basics of the Enhanced O&M Services?
4. What incentives are available for Enhanced O&M Services?
5. What are the basics of the Full RCx Services?
6. What incentives are available for the Full RCx Services?
7. Are there minimum requirements to be a candidate for Full RCx Services?
8. Who can perform RCx services?
9. What is the value of having a contractor assess how a building’s systems operate?
1. What is the contact information for the energy efficiency component of BGE’s Smart Energy Savers ProgramSM for Business?
For contact information, click here.
2. Why was the BGE Smart Energy Savers ProgramSM established?
The BGE Smart Energy Savers ProgramSM was established to provide customers with tools to reduce energy use. The program helps to reduce the need for new power plants, and helps customers save money and protect the environment. The program also supports the goals of the EmPOWER Maryland Energy Efficiency Act of 2008, which strives to reduce energy demand and consumption in Maryland.
3. How long will BGE’s program be available?
We anticipate these programs will continue through 2015 to meet the EmPOWER Maryland Energy Efficiency Act goals. The current programs are approved by the Maryland Public Service Commission through December 31, 2011.
4. Will the programs change from year to year?
The programs were designed using a best practices approach from utilities across the country. However, programs are reviewed periodically and it is possible for programmatic processes or elements including incentives to change from year to year.
5. Who can participate in these programs?
Non-residential customer who receives electric distribution service through BGE regardless of their electric or gas supplier.
| Rate Schedule | |||||
| BGE Smart Energy SaversSM Program | G | GS | GL | P | |
| Small Business Lighting Solutions | X | X | |||
| Energy Solutions for Business | X | X | X | X | |
| Retrocommissioning (RCx) | X | X | X | X | |
6. Where do the funds come from to pay for the incentives?
The BGE Smart Energy Savers ProgramSM is paid for through Maryland Public Service Commission approved energy efficiency charges applied to customers’ electric bills (EmPOWER Maryland charge).
7. Who is ICF International and why are they involved?
ICF International is an energy consulting company that was selected through a competitive bidding process by BGE to implement the energy efficiency portion of the BGE Smart Energy Savers ProgramSM. ICF has extensive experience managing similar programs throughout the country. ICF has a local office in Columbia, Maryland.
8. Will my data be kept confidential?
All customer specific information provided to BGE will be held in confidence.
9. Are incentives available to perform a fuel-switching measure?
Fuel-switching measures are excluded from this BGE program.
10. Are incentives available for using renewable energy sources?
Renewable projects, such as solar water heaters or photovoltaic installations, do not qualify under this BGE program.
11. Are incentives available for gas-consuming devices?
Currently, there are no incentives for industrial/commercial gas applications.
Small Business Lighting Solutions FAQs
1. Am I eligible to participate in the Small Business Lighting Solutions program?
The Small Business Lighting Solutions Program is available to small business customers in the BGE service territory who have monthly billing demands of 60 kW or less (BGE rate schedule G or GS). To determine your rate schedule, look under the “Electric Details” section of your BGE distribution bill.
2. How do I participate in this program?
For information on how to participate in the Small Business Lighting Solutions program, click here.
3. Do I have to use a specific contractor, or can I find my own?
To participate in the Small Business Lighting Solutions Program, customers must use the designated contractor for their geographic location.
4. What if I have a specific contractor with whom I have an established working relationship for lighting projects?
Customers who choose to use their own contractors can participate through the Energy Solutions for Business Program, which may result in lower incentive payments.
5. Does BGE guarantee the performance of the new equipment?
BGE does not guarantee or warrant the new equipment installed through this program. However, the designated contractors warrant the new equipment for 1 year from installation. If a ballast or lamp fails after the first year, the manufacturer carries a 3-year warranty, which includes an onsite change-out.
6. What portion of the project do I pay for and how do I pay for it?
BGE covers up to 80% of the total project cost, which will be paid directly to the contractor. Total project cost includes material, labor, and recycling associated with eligible measures. The remaining portion of the cost (typically 20%) is to be covered by the customer. Payment terms should be worked out between the contractor and customer prior to initiating the work.
7. I was recently presented with an estimate from one of the contractors, and my portion of the bill was more than 20%, why was that?
There are certain project costs that may be charged in special circumstances that the program does not cover (i.e., special lifting equipment, fixing wiring, using a special fixture). These charges should be explained in the work proposal from the contractor before the project would commence.
8. What equipment is eligible under this program?
- Lighting system upgrades
- Lighting controls
- Exit sign conversion or replacement (non-LED to LED)
- Vending machine controls
9. Are other energy-efficient measures like refrigeration or heating and cooling upgrades part of this program?
No. These measures and others are covered in the Energy Solutions for Business Program that is open to all BGE business customers regardless of size. For more details, visit http://conservation.bgesmartenergy.com/business/energy-solutions-business.
10. What if I am planning lighting retrofit projects at multiple locations that span across contractor territories?
Customers are required to contact the contractor that has been assigned to the geographic location of their business. If customers have multiple locations, they need to contact each assigned contractor.
11. What if I am planning lighting retrofit projects for multiple buildings on separate rate schedules, some are G/GS (fewer than 60kW) and some are GL/P (more than 60kW?)
Only buildings that fall under the G or GS rate schedules are eligible for the Small Business Lighting Solutions Program. All other facilities can participate in the Energy Solutions for Business Program.
12. Why am I being charged for recycling costs? Am I able to use my own recycling contractor?
The Small Business Lighting Solutions Program offers complete, turnkey service from the energy analysis to the proper and legal disposal of all removed equipment. To participate in the program, it is required that all removed lamps and ballasts are recycled through the selected recycling vendor.
13. Are the lighting controls I currently have in my business compatible with the new lighting system?
In almost all cases, the lighting controls will work with the upgraded lighting system.
14. Is the quality of the lighting in my business going to change?
New lighting technologies are designed to provide comparable, if not greater lighting output with less energy use and longer lasting lamps. In addition, the new lighting technologies are designed to deliver more ‘natural light'.
15. Who conducts the energy analysis?
The energy analysis is conducted by the designated contractor for a customer’s geographic location at no additional charge.
16. Does the program cover exterior lighting or provide incentives for exterior lighting efficiency measures?
The Small Business Lighting Solutions program focuses on interior lighting only, and does not cover exterior lighting of any kind. Customers can use the Custom option under the Energy Solutions for Business Program to submit applications for lighting that is directly attached to their buildings (including garages and canopies). Post-mounted lighting, lighting bollards, or other walkway lighting are also covered under the Energy Solutions for Business Program, Custom option.
17. Will the replacement bulbs for these new fixtures cost me more than the ones I have now?
The new lamps should last up to 3 years. However, once they have surpassed their natural life cycle, new lamps can be purchased for a comparable price as most current lamps.
18. Will the contractor remove the old materials?
The program’s turnkey service includes removal and recycling of old equipment. The lighting contractor will package and remove the old equipment from your site upon completion of the project.
19. Can the work be performed at off-peak hours?
The details of installation should be worked out with your designated lighting contractor. While the contractors operate between normal business hours of 8:00 am and 5:00 pm, alternative arrangements may be possible. Any additional costs associated with performing work outside of normal business hours will not be covered under the program.
20. Are LED lights available?
LED lights are currently not available through this program. LED lights may be considered under the Energy Solutions for Business Custom option.
21. Does the program cover broken or unused fixtures?
The focus of this program is to reduce energy consumption. Therefore, the program incentives will not fund fixtures that are currently not functioning, since the project would result in an energy increase. However, the designated contractor may fix the broken fixtures outside of the program for an additional fee paid by the customer.
Energy Solutions for Business FAQs
1. Who can participate in the Energy Solutions for Business program?
The offer to participate in BGE’s Energy Solutions for Business Program is open to all non-residential BGE electric customers regardless of electric supplier. Additional details on eligibility can be found in the Terms and Conditions section of BGE’s Energy Solutions for Business applications.
2. How do I sign up for the program?
Applications for Energy Solutions for Business can be found here.
3. Are incentives available for measures that are not explicitly covered by the Energy Solutions for Business prescriptive measures?
Electric energy-efficient equipment that is not included on the prescriptive application forms may be considered as a Custom measure. In general, this equipment must exceed the prescriptive requirements, not be required by Maryland energy code and not be considered standard industry practice. The proposed project or equipment must have verifiable electric energy savings and pass the program cost effectiveness criteria. Contact BGE for questions regarding specific measures and technical assistance, if needed.
4. How do I determine what energy efficiency measures are right for my facility?
Local Service Providers can help you identify which measures are right for your facility. Service Providers for BGE’s Energy Solutions for Business Program received training on all of the measures included in the Energy Solutions for Business Program.
5. Are engineering studies required for participation in the Energy Solutions for Business Program?
Not always. Engineering studies are not required for prescriptive measures; however, Custom measures do require the calculation of estimated project costs and energy usage prior to submitting the Custom application for pre-approval. Generally, a Service Provider can assist you in preparing a Custom application. If you need more detailed engineering services, BGE has a list of pre-qualified engineering firms that can provide technical assistance. BGE will pay 50% of the engineering costs up to $15,000 when the customer hires one of these firms.
6. We are receiving a grant for the energy efficiency improvement. Does this prevent us from being considered for a BGE incentive?
No; however, in no case may the grant plus a BGE incentive total more than the cost of the energy efficiency improvement project.
7. Does Energy Solutions for Business offer free energy audits?
Energy audits are the responsibility of the customer. BGE’s Energy Solutions for Business team can offer a review of products to ensure program requirements are met. Some Service Providers may offer free energy audits as part of their proposal.
8. My company has a Curtailable Service Provider that participates in PJM’s Reliability Pricing Model (RPM) auction. Can I still participate in BGE’s energy efficiency programs?
Customers who already have Curtailable Service Providers for capacity or energy commitments with PJM’s RPM auction for Demand Response may continue these commitments and participate in BGE’s programs. Since PJM considers BGE’s programs to be an Energy Efficiency Resource and not a Demand Resource, the rules for having a single Demand Resource per site do not apply.
9. Can my company offer the energy and capacity benefits associated with these energy efficiency measures into PJM’s Reliability Pricing Model auction?
BGE is entitled to 100% of the energy and capacity benefits that are installed as part of this program and reserves the right to commit these energy efficiency savings into PJM’s energy, capacity, and reserve auctions. Therefore, customers who decide to install energy efficiency measures and offer these energy efficiency savings into the PJM auction on their own are not eligible to receive incentives from BGE for those measures. Customers should carefully review the benefits of participating in PJM’s auction or receiving direct incentives from BGE’s energy efficiency programs.
10. Am I required to use a specific contractor to participate in the program?
You are not required to use a specific contractor to install energy-efficient equipment at your facility. Customers are free to select their own contractors or use in-house staff. If you choose to use in-house staff to install program measures, please leave the contractor information blank on your application form.
11. Is BGE offering any type of commercial financing for customers who are unable to pay their portion of the costs of acceptable measures?
No. This is not part of the program.
1. What happens if the final project changes from what was pre-approved by BGE?
If the scope of work changes or the equipment specifications change, you must notify BGE’s Energy Solutions for Business team immediately. They will review your application to determine whether the revised project is eligible for an incentive and the amount of the incentive. If the revised potential incentive is greater than the original amount, BGE’s Energy Solutions for Business team will determine if there are funds available to increase your incentive amount. There is no guarantee that funds will be available for payment above the previously approved amount.
2. If I submit an application and I receive a pre-approval letter, am I obligated to go through with the work?
You are not obligated to go through with the work. Once the funds associated with your project are approved, you have 6 months to complete retrofit installations and 1 year to complete new construction installations. If you start a project and decide to complete only a portion of the work, you will only be paid for the completed portion. If you know that you are not going to complete a project or are only completing a portion of it, please contact BGE’s Smart Energy Savers ProgramSM team so that we can redistribute funding appropriately.
3. If equipment does not meet the prescriptive eligibility criteria, can it be submitted under the Custom track?
No. If equipment that is covered by prescriptive rebates does not meet the eligibility criteria as defined in the prescriptive applications, it cannot be considered for a Custom application.
4. Does the program offer incentives for exterior lighting efficiency measures?
The Energy Solutions for Business Custom offering allows business customers of any size to submit applications for lighting that is directly attached to their buildings (including garages and canopies). Post-mounted lighting, lighting bollards, or other walkway lighting are also covered under the Energy Solutions for Business program, Custom option.
5. Do I have to select a contractor before submitting an application?
You do not have to select a contractor before submitting an application as long as the equipment for the projects meets the eligibility requirements. But, because of the 6-month window for retrofit project completion and 1-year window for new construction completion, it is strongly recommended that customers have a contractor selected before an application is submitted. BGE will not accept multiple applications from more than one contractor for the same customer project.
6. Why do I need to provide my BGE account number?
BGE’s Energy Solutions for Business team must verify that you have an active BGE account and are eligible to receive incentives.
7. How will I know the status of my application?
For applications requiring pre-approval, both the customer and Service Provider/contractor will receive a pre-approval letter once the application has been reviewed and approved. Applicants who submit incomplete applications will be notified and asked to provide additional detail so the review process can be completed. Once the project has been completed, and the associated paperwork is submitted, BGE’s Energy Solutions for Business team will review all necessary material. Once payment has been approved, the customer and contractor will receive a letter indicating payment approval and amount. The party receiving the payment will typically receive the payment check in 4–6 weeks after payment approval. Customers and Service Providers/contractors may contact BGE’s Energy Solutions for Business team at any time with additional questions about the process or status of an application.
8. When should I sign the application form?
- For projects that do not require pre-approval, the customer should sign the form when the application is submitted.
- For projects requiring pre-approval, the form should be signed after pre-approval has been received from BGE and the project installation is complete.
9. What do I do if I have more units to include than spaces available on the application form?
You can provide additional pages of specific worksheets needed to document all measures installed. Please make a note that you have added a page (or pages) when you send in your completed application.
10. Who can submit applications?
BGE retail customers and the Service Providers/contractors representing those customers can submit applications. The project must be for a building that has electric service from BGE and is located within BGE’s service territory. Details on eligibility criteria are in the Terms and Conditions section of applications for all measures.
1. Can I receive an incentive for used or refurbished equipment?
No. BGE does not accept used or refurbished material under this program. Nor does BGE allow equipment that is removed to be re-installed within the BGE service territory.
2. Is there a maximum amount of money that I can receive?
BGE reserves the right to deny any application that may result in BGE exceeding its program budget. Incentives are offered on a first-come, first-served basis and are subject to project and Customer eligibility, availability of funds and distribution of incentives across BGE customer base.
3. Can I receive the incentive in the form of a bill credit?
No. The rebate will come in the form of a check, approximately 4–6 weeks after the project is complete and the final paperwork is submitted.
4. Does the pre-approval letter guarantee payment of incentives at the full amount?
The pre-approval letter guarantees payment of the incentives at the full amount as long as all conditions of the pre-approval letter have been met. Any change in equipment specifications, quantities installed, or other factors affecting energy savings and project cost may result in changes to the incentive amount. Any changes from the original pre-approval letter conditions must receive BGE approval before being implemented to guarantee incentive payment.
5. Can I receive incentives for projects where the equipment has already been purchased?
- For projects that do not require pre-approval, equipment cannot be purchased more than 60 days prior to the receipt of the application form (noted in the Terms and Conditions on the application form).
- For projects that do require pre-approval, equipment can only be purchased after the project is approved.
6. Once I receive an incentive, do I have any further obligation with the Energy Solutions for Business program?
Once a project is complete and payment is made, BGE and the Public Service Commission require that a subset of projects be visited. This is to verify that sales transactions and equipment installations remain in accordance to the plans that were approved and upon which incentives were paid. BGE may contact you to visit your site to perform this verification. All measures must be installed and working at the time of inspection, and BGE welcomes feedback.
7. If my project involves a prescriptive measure, do I have a choice whether to apply using a prescriptive or custom application?
Equipment or technology that meets the energy efficiency parameters identified in Energy Solutions for Business application forms must apply through the prescriptive program. If a project involves equipment/technology specified in a prescriptive measure, that project is not eligible to be submitted as a Custom project. If a project involves both prescriptive and custom measures, the customer may be able to combine integrated measures into a single custom application. If you believe this might apply to your project, please contact the Energy Solutions for Business team to discuss it before submitting an application.
8. How are Custom incentives determined?
Custom incentives are based on the cost of installing the high efficiency measures and the resulting energy and demand savings. In all cases, the high efficiency measure must be cost effective. For retrofit measures where the efficiency of existing equipment or systems is being improved, the incentive is up to 50% of the installed cost of the high efficiency measure. For new construction or the purchase of new or replacement equipment, the incentive is up to 75% of the cost of the high efficiency equipment over the standard efficiency equipment. In all cases, if the BGE incentive results in a customer simple payback of less than 1.5 years, the incentive will be reduced to an amount that will result in a 1.5 year payback.
9. How does the program determine baselines for Custom measures?
Project baselines are based on currently applicable energy codes and/or conservative estimates of industry standards. BGE requires that an application be submitted to provide the best opportunity to establish an accurate baseline.
10. Are there any other financial incentives I can take advantage of for energy efficiency improvements?
Yes. The Maryland Energy Administration offers two additional programs for commercial and industrial customers. The Commercial and Industrial Energy Efficiency Loan Fund offers low-interest loans to help Maryland businesses improve the energy performance of their facilities. The Commercial and Industrial Energy Assessments program provides energy assessments to commercial and industrial customers not being served through existing EmPOWER Maryland programs.
1. Is there a list of qualified Service Providers?
Click here for a list of Service Providers who have submitted an application, participated in a Service Provider training program, and undergone reference checks. BGE does not recommend, qualify, or otherwise approve these contractors for participation. BGE does not warrant or guarantee any work or equipment installed by a Service Provider.
If you are a Service Provider and would like to participate in one of the training seminars, email business@BGESmartEnergy.com.
2. Where can Service Providers learn more about the program?
Information for trade allies can be found at the Service Providers page, including details on how to get involved in the Service Provider program and get your business listed in the Service Provider directory. Once you join, you become part of the Service Provider mailing list through which you will receive regular updates on the BGE Smart Energy Savers ProgramSM. BGE also offers periodic seminars on how best to use the program to help your customers.
3. Who receives the rebate check, the customer or contractor?
The customer has the option to assign payment to the contractor or other third party. BGE requires the customer’s signature approving payment in either case.
Retrocommissioning (RCx) Questions
- Calibrating building systems and controls
- Replacing equipment filters
- Cleaning evaporator and condenser coils
- Sealing air and water leaks
- Re-balancing air handling systems
- Detecting compressed air leaks
- Educating facility personnel
- HVAC calibrations
- Diagnostic and function tests of major systems and equipment
- Air and water systems balancing
- Calibration of energy management and control systems and lighting systems controls
- O&M tune-ups
- Education of facility personnel