Central Hudson Offers Energy Efficiency Incentives to Mid-sized Businesses

Mid-sized businesses in the Hudson Valley may now qualify for Central Hudson’s SavingsCentral energy efficiency programs. “Like our existing electric program for small businesses, this new program offers free on-site energy assessments for mid-sized businesses, and rebates up to 70 percent of the equipment cost of installed energy efficiency measures,” said Denise VanBuren, Vice President of Public Affairs and Energy Efficiency.

Mid-sized businesses with monthly electric demands between 100 and 350 kilowatts, which typically include many hotels and motels, restaurants, grocery stores, colleges and larger municipal facilities, are eligible. “The existing Small Business Program accepts facilities with monthly demands up to 100 kilowatts, and together with the Mid-Size Business Program, energy efficiency incentives are available to most of our business and non-residential customers,” said VanBuren. “In addition, homeowners may also take advantage of our extensive residential programs,” she said.

Eligible businesses will receive an on-site energy assessment of their facilities at no charge, and are provided a report outlining suggested electric energy efficiency improvements, such as lighting and motor upgrades; high-efficiency electric heating and cooling systems, including ground-source heat pumps; and other custom measures. The report also indicates the estimated costs and payback times for each suggested measure, including available rebates of up to 70 percent of the equipment cost for each improvement. “This is another opportunity for local businesses to save on their energy costs while helping to protect the environment,” said VanBuren.

The $2.4 million Mid-Size Business Program is funded by the Systems Benefit Charge through 2011, and is projected to save more than 5,500 megawatt-hours of electricity.

The program joins Central Hudson’s family of energy efficiency programs introduced this summer, and which include residential electric and natural gas energy efficiency incentives, and small business electric energy efficiency incentives. To learn more about available programs and saving energy in homes and businesses, visit www.SavingsCentral.com.

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