Utility, DSM and Tax Credit Programs

Incentive and tax credit programs can be tremendous resources for your company where available.  Most programs offer financial incentives that cover part of the cost of your project.  Some programs cover some or all of the cost of the energy study to evaluate project.  Cascade’s staff are very adept at providing the required energy studies, commissioning services, and verification services.

Utility and government programs often cover 50% or more of the cost of efficiency improvements. 


A good first step is always to contact your utility customer account manager.  But we can help you navigate the process as well.  Contact Marcus Wilcox 509-529-8040 x201 to clarify which programs apply to your site, their current status, and the appropriate contact person.


In general, remember these rules:

  • Most programs require a study and approval before you may order equipment.  Contact your utility early in your planning process.
  • Most programs provide the incentive after installation and after the project performance has been verified.

List of Regional Programs

Program

 

Pacific Power and Rocky Mountain Power Energy FinAnswer Program

Available in Pacific Power territory in Washington and Rocky Mountain Power territory in Washington and Utah and to a limited extent in their Idaho and California territories.   Provides study funding and $0.12 per kWh incentives up to 50% of project cost.

Energy Trust of Oregon - Production Efficiency Program

Available in Pacificorp and PGE territory throughout Oregon. Cascade Energy Engineering works throughout the state on Energy Studies and is the official Program Delivery Contractor for Northeast and parts of Western Oregon. Provides partial or full funding study funding and $0.15 per kWh incentives up to 50% of project cost.

Idaho Power - Industrial Efficiency Incentive Program

Available throughout Idaho Power territories in Idaho. The program provides a utility funded scoping visit, 50% feasibility study co-funding and $0.12 per kWh incentives up to 70% of project cost.

Bonneville Power - Commercial Industrial Standard Offer

Available in many, but not all Public Utility Districts, Electrical Co-ops, and Municipal Utilities in Oregon, Washington, Idaho, and Montana which get their wholesale power from Bonneville Power Administration.  The program can offer both energy study funding and incentives (generally $0.12 per kWh up to 60% of project cost).

Seattle City Light – Energy Smart Services

Can provide energy studies and incentives up to  70% of project costs

Puget Sound Energy Grants

Partial study funding is available as are grants that cover 50% or more of project cost.

Oregon Business Energy Tax Credits

Provides a 35% tax credit spread over 5 years.