Why Use a Rebate Procurement Specialist?

Our "free to let us see guarantee":

We believe that we always provide additional value and in most cases we increase your energy rebates. Our staff finds opportunities that others do not as our competition most often has a singular focus. On the off chance can't provide additional value by increasing your rebate or you choose not to have UMS file on your behalf there is no charge. Its always "free to let us see" your project.

 

A high efficiency label doesn’t always mean rebate eligibility:

Program requirements vary from utility program to utility program and the bar rises with each program year.   HVAC systems must meet high EER or SEER efficiency ratings, LED lamps must be listed Energy Star or Design Lights Consortium approved lists and Kitchen equipment must be Energy Star.

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Installing qualifying equipment only gets you to first base:

Rebate program requirements are sometimes very simple; but just as often they are quite onerous and can be very disruptive to your project schedule if you don’t anticipate them and accommodate them. For example, many projects, including most lighting projects, will require detailed submission of pre-existing conditions – audits with counts and equipment descriptions allowing the utility to calculate the energy demand before and after your upgrade.  They will also require a pre-inspection before the work is started so the utility can verify the details of your submission.  All of this takes time – sometimes a couple of months of advance planning and document submission are critical.  Failing to get pre-approval will disqualify your eligible investment from receiving its rebate.

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The devil is in the details: 

There can be a lot of documentation requirements – invoices marked paid detailing make and model numbers of all equipment, separate labor invoices, W-9, spec sheets for new equipment, copy of a recent utility bill; even a certificate from the state taxing authorities saying you don’t owe any back taxes.  Document submission can be required as soon as 60 days after invoice date and invoice dates can’t precede pre-approval dates.It’s a lot to keep track of if you are only doing one project; it can be a logistical nightmare if you are doing a multi-site project spanning many utilities over a fixed time or budget period.  Utilities tend to be very parochial in their program design and administration which makes it very difficult to coordinate all these requirements in multiple jurisdictions and still have an install schedule which makes sense from your business perspective.

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Sometimes it pays to get some expert help: 

If you are embarking on an initiative which will involve funding from multiple utilities, you better think about outsourcing with a rebate specialist.  Consult with them up front, even before projects have been approved while you are negotiating terms with your vendors.  Doing so will ensure your choosing qualifying equipment and build into the project plan the rebate timing and document requirements.    

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Also, make sure your expert is really an expert.  Your equipment vendors may or may not have knowledge of these programs, but do they have the time or persistence to chase every dollar?  Ask for a detailed estimate of rebate potential for each site before you get started so you have something to measure success against.

 

Our industry knowledge allows us to provide the most comprehensive rebate services. Working with us allows you to lower the capital outlay on your energy efficient projects. We save you valuable time and money, so you can focus on the big picture.