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| Some great programs are available for schools including the California Preschool Energy Efficiency Program (Photo: CPEEP) |
Energy audits are one of the best ways to get started on cutting your energy bills, and fortunately, California utilities offer a multitude of no-cost and low-cost audits for businesses and schools. These energy-saving resources can be found in most regions across the state and are just a few of the services that may be available in your area:
Northern California-Specific
Pacific Gas & Electric (PG&E) offers no-cost audits to nonresidential customer facilities. Special audits are also available for food service facilities in the Bay Area, and for small to medium wineries in PG&E territory, while the LodgingSavers program offers no-cost surveys for all lodging properties. San Francisco businesses can also obtain a no-cost water efficiency audit through the San Francisco Public Utilities Commission.
Southern California-Specific
Southern California Edison (SCE) business customers can obtain a no-cost online audit and large business customers can request a technical consultant to conduct more targeted evaluations. Small business customers in San Diego Gas & Electric (SDG&E) territory may be eligible for an HVAC equipment audit through ADM.
Retrocommissioning
The PECI retrocommissioning (RCx) program is available to all PG&E and SDG&E commercial and institutional customers, and offers a no-cost building screening as well as other services to help participants save 5-20% on their energy bills. SCE offers a similar RCx program for their large business customers.
Schools
The Bright Schools Program, sponsored by the California Energy Commission, helps schools identify cost-effective energy saving opportunities through energy audits and project design assistance. All publicly funded California K-12 school districts and non-profit K-12 schools are eligible and services are usually no-cost.
Center-based child care and preschool facilities in the SCE and PG&E service areas can receive grants for energy audits and retrofits through the California Preschool Energy Efficiency Program (CPEEP).
Remember, the audits listed above are only a few of the many programs and services offered throughout California. You can find a more extensive list by quickly entering your zip code in our rebate finder to find the programs, incentives, and services that fit your needs.
