This is the fifth and last 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 Southeast, click here, and for commercial rebates in the Southwest, click here.

As businesses in the Midwest look to enhance their energy efficiency and reduce operating costs, a range of financial incentives are available. From rebates to grants, these programs support a variety of initiatives aimed at promoting sustainability and improving operational efficiency. Here’s an overview of the key incentives available in midwestern states like Washington, Oregon, Montana, and Colorado and more.

Washington

In Washington, several programs are designed to support energy-efficient upgrades and reduce costs for businesses:

Energy Retrofits for Public Buildings Grant

Provides funding for energy-saving projects at public schools and government agencies, focusing on schools from K-12. These grants help reduce operational costs and enhance energy efficiency.

Clean Energy Fund

Comprising several components, this fund supports various initiatives:

• • Research, Development, and Demonstration: Matches federal and non-state funds for innovative technology projects.
  • Grid Modernization: Offers funding to improve community resilience, support renewable energy technologies, and integrate clean energy sources.
  • Electrification of Transportation Systems: Prioritizes projects that address air pollution, underserved communities, and EV charging infrastructure.
  • Building Electrification: Advances goals for high-efficiency, all-electric buildings, supporting projects that reduce energy use and greenhouse gas emissions.

Community Energy Efficiency Program (CEEP)

Funds community-based projects for urban residential and commercial energy retrofits, potentially saving up to $1.7 million annually in energy costs.

Clean Buildings Performance Standard Incentive

Provides performance-based incentives for adopting energy-efficient practices in large buildings, offering 85 cents per square foot for those meeting specific energy performance standards.

Additionally, HVAC incentives through Puget Sound Energy (PSE) offer up to 50% of project costs, with base and performance incentives based on energy savings.

Oregon

Oregon offers a range of incentives to support energy efficiency and sustainability:

EV Charging Rebates

Businesses can receive up to $1,000 per port for Level 2 chargers and up to $2,300 per port for multifamily properties. This program helps with installation costs and promotes sustainability by enhancing EV infrastructure.

Large Electric Consumer Public Purpose Program (LECPPP)

Allows businesses consuming over 8,760,000 kWh annually to self-direct their renewable public purpose charge and fund energy efficiency projects, providing credits to offset energy costs.

Clean Water State Revolving Fund (CWSRF)

Provides low-interest loans for water infrastructure projects, supporting improvements in water quality and conservation.

Community Renewable Energy Grant

Supports projects in environmental justice communities, enhancing energy resilience and promoting clean energy solutions.

Rural and Agriculture Energy Assistance Program

Covers 75% of the costs for energy assessments on farms, ranches, and rural businesses, encouraging the adoption of energy-efficient practices.

Heat Pump Incentive Program

Allocates funds for heat pump installations and grants for cooling centers during extreme heat events, supporting both residential and community resilience.

Montana

Montana’s financial incentives focus on clean energy and infrastructure improvements:

Alternative Energy Revolving Loan Program (AERLP)

Offers low-interest loans for alternative energy systems and energy-saving measures. For 2024, the interest rate is fixed at 3.5%, and the program has financed over $17 million in alternative energy projects.

Energy Efficiency and Conservation Block Grants (EECBG)

Funded by the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, these grants support strategies to reduce energy use and improve efficiency across various communities and states.

Grid Resiliency and Reliability Grants

Improve electrical grid reliability and resilience, addressing needs due to extreme weather or other disruptions.

Renewable Energy Initiatives

Includes requirements for wind and solar facility decommissioning plans to ensure environmental responsibility.

Colorado

Colorado offers diverse incentives to support both historic preservation and energy efficiency:

Historic Preservation Funding

Provides grants for historic structure assessments and preservation projects through the State Historical Fund and Certified Local Governments (CLG) grant.

Energy Funding for Main Street Commercial Properties

Offers low-interest loans through the Colorado Clean Energy Fund and C-PACE financing, enabling energy efficiency upgrades and reducing carbon footprints.

Support for Local Governments

Includes the Energy/Mineral Impact Assistance Fund Grant and Energy Performance Contracting program, which uses future savings to fund capital improvements.

New Initiatives for Community Resilience

The Microgrids for Community Resilience program supports rural communities in developing microgrid resources, and the Public Building Electrification Grant funds energy audits and equipment for public entities.

Utah

Utah provides robust incentives for businesses investing in electric vehicle (EV) charging infrastructure and energy-efficient projects.

EV Charger Rebates:

• Level 2 AC Chargers:
  • Single Port: Up to $1,000 per charger, covering up to 75% of the cost.
  • Multi-Port: Up to $1,500 per charger, also covering up to 75% of the cost.
• DC Fast Chargers:
  • Single Port: Up to $30,000 per charger, covering up to 75% of the total cost (including installation).
  • Multi-Port: Up to $42,000 per charger, with the same 75% coverage.

Infrastructure Incentives:

• Make-Ready Projects: Covering costs for electrical infrastructure and installation, these incentives support projects that facilitate EV charging station adoption.
  • AC Chargers: Up to $7,500 per port, with a maximum site incentive of $200,000.
  • DC Chargers:
    • For chargers <125 kW: Up to $25,000 per port.
    • For chargers >125 kW: Up to $50,000 per port.
    • Maximum site incentive of $500,000, with requirements for multiple bids for high-value projects.

ThermWise Rebate Program:

• Custom Rebates: Provides financial support for energy-saving projects that reduce natural gas consumption, with eligibility for various measures from retrofits to new installations.
• Simplified Analysis Measures: Includes rebates for specific equipment like boiler controls and steam traps, streamlining the approval process.

California

California offers diverse incentives to support energy efficiency and renewable energy across different sectors.

Educational and Public Sector Programs:

• Bright Schools Program: Up to $20,000 for public K-12 and charter schools, supporting energy audits and technical assistance.
• Energy Partnership Program: Grants up to $20,000 for cities, counties, and public facilities for similar technical support.

Loan and Financing Programs:

• California Capital Access Program: Assists small businesses with loan defaults on energy-efficiency projects, covering up to 100% of losses.
• PACE Loss Reserve Program: Offers $10 million in loss reserves to mitigate risks associated with PACE financing for residential and commercial projects.

Energy Efficiency and Clean Energy Programs:

• Energy Conservation Assistance Act (ECAA): Low-interest loans up to $3 million for clean energy projects for public entities.
• STE Program: Provides sales tax exclusions for investments in clean energy and advanced manufacturing projects, with up to $10 million in credits.

Specialized Programs:

• Food Production Investment Program: Grants to the food processing industry for reducing GHG emissions and adopting renewable technologies.

Nevada

Nevada supports businesses with incentives for renewable energy projects and energy efficiency improvements.

Renewable Energy Tax Abatements:

• Partial Tax Abatements: Available for renewable energy facilities, including solar, geothermal, and wind projects, reviewed by the Governor’s Office of Energy.

PowerShift by NV Energy:

• Business Energy Services: Offers cash incentives and technical assistance for energy-efficient equipment, including lighting, HVAC, and refrigeration.
• New Construction Incentives: Tiered rebate structure for new construction, from 100% for projects up to $100,000 to 10% for projects over $1,000,000.
• Small Business Support: Free facility assessments and low-cost equipment installations for businesses with annual electricity use below 400,000 kWh.

Idaho

Idaho provides incentives for new construction and major renovations to improve energy efficiency.

Idaho Power:

• Energy Efficiency Measures: Rebates available for improvements in lighting, HVAC, controls, and more in new and existing commercial and industrial facilities.

Dominion Energy/Thermise:

• Rebate Programs: Incentives for various energy-efficient upgrades, including HVAC systems, water heating, smart thermostats, and insulation for both new and existing buildings.

Wyoming

Dominion Energy/ThermWise

Rebates are available for upgrading HVAC and water heating equipment, installing smart thermostats, and improving food service equipment and commercial washers and dryers. Businesses can also benefit from insulation retrofits, which help reduce energy consumption.

Rocky Mountain Power – WattSmart Business

Provides a range of incentives for energy-efficient improvements:

• Lighting: Rebates for interior lighting upgrades, retrofits, and controls.
• Signage: Support for LED channel letter signs, exit signs, marquee lighting, and case lighting.
• Building Retrofits: Incentives for cool roofs, attic/roof insulation, wall insulation, windows, and window film.
• Sprinkler and Irrigation Systems: Financial assistance for efficient irrigation upgrades.
• New Construction and Major Renovations: Rebates for incorporating energy-efficient features.
• Motors: Support for electronically commutated motors, variable-frequency motors, and green motor rewinds.
• Food Service Equipment: Rebates for energy-efficient dishwashers, cookers, and ice machines.
• Farm and Dairy Equipment: Incentives for energy-efficient fans, milkers, and ventilation systems.

Navigating the complex landscape of commercial financial incentives can be a challenge, but it’s well worth the effort for businesses looking to reduce costs and enhance sustainability. To streamline the process and maximize your savings, consider partnering with Incentive Rebate360. As experts in rebate management, Incentive Rebate360 specializes in helping businesses across the country identify and apply for a wide array of financial incentives. Our team can guide you through the application process, ensuring you secure the funding you need to achieve your energy efficiency and sustainability objectives. Reach out to Incentive Rebate360 today to explore how they can help you take advantage of these valuable incentives and make your energy-saving initiatives a reality.