This is the third blog in our series looking at the different commercial rebates by region. For a review of what commercial rebates are available in the Midwest, click here, for commercial rebates in the Northeast, click here. for commercial rebates in the Southwest, click here, and for commercial rebates in the West, click here.

Navigating the array of commercial rebates available in the southeastern United States can significantly impact your business’s bottom line. Let’s explore the rebates available in West Virginia, Virginia, Kentucky, North Carolina, and South Carolina, focusing on programs that promote energy efficiency and sustainability.

West Virginia

Switch and Save Program

Appalachian Power’s Switch and Save Program encourages the switch from less efficient heating sources to high-efficiency electric heat pumps. Customers can receive up to $700 ($900 for low-income customers) when they upgrade to an electric heat pump with a qualified contractor. This upgrade not only saves money but also promotes energy efficiency.

Peak Reduction Program

This demand response program helps manage power grid load during peak summer days. Participants receive a load management device for their central air conditioning units, which cycles the compressor on and off in 15-minute intervals. This minor adjustment has minimal impact on home temperature while aiding in overall energy conservation.

Virginia

Business Energy Solutions

Appalachian Power offers cash incentives for businesses to make energy-efficient improvements. These include up to $25,000 for lighting projects and another $25,000 for non-lighting projects, totaling $50,000. These upgrades enhance comfort, productivity, and safety while reducing energy costs.

Small Business Direct Install (SBDI)

Designed for small businesses with a peak monthly demand of 200 kW or less, this program provides rebates for energy-efficient lighting and occupancy sensors. Eligible businesses in Appalachian Power’s Virginia service territory can benefit from reduced operating costs and improved work environments.

Kentucky

Duke Energy Smart Saver Rebates

Duke Energy offers various rebates for the agricultural sector, including incentives for dairy heat reclaimers, engine block heater timers, and LED poultry lamps. Restaurants can benefit from rebates on energy-efficient cooking equipment like combination ovens, fryers, and convection ovens, reducing energy consumption and improving efficiency.

LG&E and KU Business Rebates

This program provides commercial and industrial customers with incentives for energy-efficient equipment and improvements. LG&E and KU also offer custom rebates for unique energy efficiency projects, ensuring broad support for various business needs.

North and South Carolina

Duke Energy Rebates

Agriculture Incentives

Rebates are available for various agricultural equipment, such as dairy heat reclaimers ($2,906), engine block heater timers ($30), and LED poultry lamps. These upgrades enhance productivity and sustainability in agricultural operations.

Commercial Equipment Rebates

Duke Energy offers rebates for energy-efficient laundry, cooking, dishwashing, and refrigeration equipment. For instance, commercial combination ovens ($444), fryers ($110), and dishwashers ($825) receive significant rebates, making upgrades more affordable. These incentives support businesses in reducing energy usage and operational costs.

Heating and Cooling Incentives

Businesses can receive rebates for upgrading to energy-efficient HVAC systems, such as air conditioners (up to $25) and heat pumps. These upgrades improve indoor air quality and reduce energy consumption, aligning with sustainability goals.

Lighting and Controls Incentives

Rebates for energy-efficient lighting systems and controls, such as LED fixtures ($300) and occupancy sensors, encourage businesses to adopt sustainable practices. These upgrades lower electricity bills and reduce carbon footprints.

Tennessee

EmPower Tennessee Initiative

Aimed at reducing energy consumption in state-owned facilities, this initiative includes investments in renewable power and energy management systems. The state dedicates millions to energy-efficient projects, supporting the purchase of utility data management systems and infrastructure.

Energy Efficient Schools Initiative (EESI)

With a $90 million funding from the Education Lottery Fund, this initiative supports energy-saving projects for K-12 schools. It offers grants and loans to improve energy efficiency in educational facilities.

Pathway Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy Loan Program (EELP)

Started in 2010, this program provides low-interest loans to both for-profit and non-profit organizations for energy-efficient upgrades, such as lighting retrofits, cool roofs, and renewable energy installations.

Volkswagen Diesel Settlement Environmental Mitigation Trust

This trust supports energy-efficient transportation projects, including grants for school bus replacements, transit and shuttle bus programs, and light-duty electric vehicle supply equipment.

Home Uplift

Grants totaling $3 million were provided in 2021 to local power companies to extend energy efficiency and weatherization measures for low-income homeowners.

Arkansas

CitySmart Program

This program offers rebates for various energy-efficient measures:

• Lighting: $0.10-$0.15/kWh
• Lighting Controls/Sensors, Chillers, Heat Pumps, Air Conditioners, Energy Management Systems, Motors, VFDs, Custom/Others: $0.10-$0.15/kWh
• PC Power Management: $0.10/kWh

Multifamily Rebate Program

• Gas Furnace: $400-$800 (Customer Rebate), $50 (Trade Ally Rebate)
• Natural Gas Water Heater: $700 (Customer Rebate), $50 (Trade Ally Rebate)
• Smart Thermostat: $100

Louisiana

Entergy Agriculture Solutions Program

This program offers increased incentives and rebates for:

• Ventilation systems
• Lighting systems
• Irrigation systems
• Refrigeration systems
• Variable Frequency Drives (VFDs)

Entergy Commercial and Industrial Rebates

Eligible upgrades include:

• Building automation systems
• Commercial kitchen equipment
• Compressed air systems
• HVAC equipment and controls
• Lighting and lighting controls
• Motors and pumps
• Refrigeration
• Warehouse sector

Commercial New Construction

Incentives for new building construction, additions, or major renovations. Applications must be submitted within 60 days of project completion.

Mississippi

Entergy Solutions

Prescriptive incentives available for a range of common energy-efficient technologies, including lighting retrofits, HVAC systems, food service equipment, and both single-speed and variable frequency drive chillers. These easy-to-calculate incentives help businesses transition to more efficient technologies seamlessly.

Mississippi Power’s Large Commercial and Industrial Program

This program offers savings on lighting and lighting controls, heating and cooling systems, insulation, kitchen and refrigeration equipment, and pole-mounted lighting. Custom savings programs are also available for specific needs, such as chiller and HVAC systems, horticulture lighting, energy management systems, high-efficiency fans, pumps, motors, compressors, network lighting controls, and whole building systems.

Alabama

Alabama Industrial Energy Efficiency Program

Supports small and medium-sized manufacturers in improving profitability through energy cost reductions. In partnership with the U.S. Department of Energy’s Advanced Manufacturing Office and universities, the program provides resources to boost energy efficiency and offers education on alternative energy sources and lean productivity processes in manufacturing.

Alternative Fuels and Renewable Energy Program

The program promotes the use of alternative transportation fuels to enhance the overall efficiency of the transportation system, improve air quality, and promote energy independence. An extensive network of alternative fuel stakeholders, including the Alabama Clean Fuels Coalition, STRIDE Collaborative, and the U.S. Department of Energy’s Alternative Fuels and Advanced Vehicles Data Center, is working to accelerate the availability and use of alternative fuels in the state. This includes resources such as an alternative fuel station locator, tax incentives, and relevant laws.

Georgia

Georgia Power Rebates

• Heat Pump Water Heater: Up to $250 per unit
• Existing Building Lighting: Per-lamp or per-fixture basis rebates
• Commercial Dishwasher: $250 per unit
• Grocery Anti-Sweat Control: $15 per door
• Strip Curtains: $50 per door or curtain
• Variable-Speed Irrigation Pump: $50 per horsepower
• Variable-Speed Ventilation Hoods: $500 per horsepower
• Vertical Refrigerated Case Doors: $50 per door
• Custom Equipment Upgrades: Up to $75,000 per building annually
• Energy-saving Upgrades for Small Businesses: Up to 70% on installed costs for LED upgrades

Florida

Florida Power and Light (FPL) Rebates

• Lighting Solutions: Up to $20 per LED fixture
• Direct-Expansion Air Conditioning: Rebates for various units
• Chiller Program: Rebates for high-efficiency chillers
• Kitchen Demand Control Ventilation: Rebates for DCV systems
• Thermal Energy Storage: Rebates for TES systems
• Energy Recovery Ventilation: Rebates for ERV systems

Leveraging these commercial rebates can help businesses in the southeastern United States significantly reduce their energy costs and enhance sustainability. For more information and assistance with applying for these incentives, contact Incentive Rebate360 at 480-653-8180 or email [email protected].

Reference: American Council for an Energy-Efficient Economy (2023). State and Local Policy Database. ACEEE. https://database.aceee.org/state/financial-incentives

Reference: DSIRE and NC Clean Energy Technology Center. Database of State Incentives for Renewables & Efficiency. https://database.aceee.org/state/financial-incentives