Annual reviews, on-site audits and custom energy strategies guide businesses toward smarter, more efficient operations

A new year marks a time for many to re-evaluate and establish new goals and businesses are no different. Often, companies make cost savings and increased profitability No. 1 on their list of resolutions. Knowing this, the SRP Business Solutions Program is designed to identify any inefficiencies and help mid-size companies save — and not just at the beginning of the year.

MORE NEWS: SRP new construction program encourages sustainability and cost savings

DEEPER DIVE: Here’s how SRP is powering small business growth

Maximizing rebates through strategic energy planning

Making energy-efficient adjustments to lighting, HVAC, and custom projects can lead to significant savings for businesses in virtually every industry. Midsize companies — those that use 300,000 kilowatt-hours (kWh) or more of total energy annually — can qualify for up to $300,000 yearly in rebates under the SRP Business Solutions program.

But how does a company know if and when energy-efficient upgrades are needed?

This is where SRP’s Strategic Energy Managers (SEM) and SRP annual reviews come in. Every business is assigned a dedicated SEM for its SRP account. These “energy-efficiency ambassadors” conduct site visits, account audits, facility energy audits and custom energy reports. 

Each time a new year begins, SEMs gear up to help midsize companies devise an energy-efficient strategy.

“Annual reviews are important in helping to identify seasonal demand spikes, highlight inefficiencies in HVAC, lighting and refrigeration systems,” says Shane Plein, SEM for SRP. “These insights allow businesses to plan upgrades and take advantage of SRP rebates.”

Shining the light on the most common energy inefficiencies

Plein mentions lighting as one of the ways businesses can benefit by becoming more energy efficient. The savings involved may surprise you!

“LED lighting retrofits are huge,” he says. “Rebates typically range from 25 cents to 35 cents per watt reduced.” 

Another inefficiency to snuff out? The way businesses handle their HVAC system.

“We’ll have customers with business hours that end at 5 p.m. and their HVAC is running all night,” Plein says. “So they are heating and cooling rooms that they don’t need to.”

Another annual energy saver can be addressing refrigeration, air conditioning (A/C) and even air leaks (in the roof). 

Evaluating these areas are relatively low cost (or no cost at all), with an easy return, according to Plein.

SRP Business Solutions caters to all industries

One aspect of the SRP Business Solutions program that Arizona customers appreciate most is that it’s open to all industries. While Plein mainly works with hotels, golf courses and family entertainment businesses, he notes that SRP welcomes working with midsize companies in varying markets. 

“SRP has a Custom Business Solutions Program that we can work with the business to specifically design projects unique to their operations,” Plein says.

On-site and ready to help

For businesses looking to improve their energy efficiency and take advantage of maximum rebate options, SEMs are always available to help. While an annual review is a good jumping-off place, a business can call its dedicated SEM at any time for advice on how to save. 

SEMs also make house calls.

“We have a third-party company that handles the rebates specifically, and we can go in with them,” Plein explains. 

Often, when on-site, an SEM may spot an area of energy-efficiency improvement. 

“I’ll look up and see old-school lighting and say, ‘Hey, you guys ever thought about replacing that?’” Plein says. 

In addition to going onsite and conducting annual reviews, Plein says businesses can also save with SRP’s Demand Response Program (DRP). Companies can get rebates for reducing energy consumption from the grid for brief periods throughout the year.

For SEMs, it always goes back to fostering relationships with the businesses they serve.

“We’re always available to talk to the customer, see what they have going on and how we can help,” Plein says.

There is no cost to sign up for the SRP Business Solutions Plan. To learn more, visit Savewithsrpbiz.com.