|
Energy Efficiency Services for Small Businesses
There is a new program called DC Sustainable Energy Utility, otherwise known as the DCSEU, being managed by the Sustainable Energy Partnership, but under the auspices of DDOE (District Department of the Environment).
This program is mandated by the Clean and Affordable Energy Act and was finally signed and approved by DC Council and the Mayor on March 24, 2011. The program is being funded by the Sustainable Energy Trust Fund which we all pay into through our Pepco and Washington Gas bills.
They have requested our help to identify small businesses within the AMPBID that could benefit from their programs. They have implemented 5 quick start programs that will operate until September 30, 2011. The intent of the Quick Start programs is to capture the quickest energy savings opportunities and identify further opportunities in these first projects.
They need 20 to 25 businesses in Adams Morgan that could benefit from some or all of the following measures:
o Replacement of incandescent bulbs with CFL’s and some LED's
o Hot water tank wraps (insulation of tanks) and pipe wraps going to the tanks
o Replacement of window air conditioners if necessary for newer, more energy efficient models
o Replacement of water rinse heads on commercial sprayers used in restaurants and bars and other food establishments. Replacement will consist of low-flow, high-pressure types.
o Installation of faucet aerators to reduce water use from faucets, and replacement of regular show heads with the low-flow, high-pressure types to conserve water and energy
o Facility assessment of opportunities for future energy efficiency upgrades as more targeted programs develop
To be eligible, the business should be:
1. Located along or near retail corridors
2. 15 or fewer employees, preferably 10 or fewer (They want to work with the very small operations.)
3. Independently owned and operated, and not chain retailers (Chain retailers tend to have their own universal programs in place and they are implemented by already hired contractors.)
Representative ideal businesses are:
1. Small restaurants, cafes, bars, carry outs, delicatessens, sandwich shops
2. Convenience stores, small grocery stores, liquor stores
3. Barber shops, beauty shops/parlors, beauty supply, nail shops, hair braiding and weaving
4. Small professional services companies — insurance brokers, tax preparers, bookstores, law offices/legal services, consulting firms, etc.
5. Small churches, day care centers, shelters of all types, such as SROs, transitional facilities, feeding centers, etc.
6. Clothing stores, dry goods, hardware, shoe shops, laundry mats
7. Facilities should be on the order of 1,500 square feet or less, and on one floor, i.e., storefronts, but we will accept two story, small facilities as well.
All services are free of charge to the business. The measures will be provided by the DCSEU and will be installed by approved, licensed, and properly trained DC-based contractors who are paid by the DCSEU. They need businesses to sign up now.
The assessment will take less than 20 minutes and when the contractors return the following week to do the installation, it will take less than hour.
To participate or get more information, please contact: Lilia A. Abron, at the DC Sustainable Energy Partnership, Community Outreach, 202 352 7812,
www.dcseu.com
|
