To help commercial customers lower electric costs and advance sustainability goals, OUC offers incentives of up to $200,000 per year through the Commercial and Industrial Custom Incentive Program for businesses building new facilities or upgrading existing sites to be more energy efficient.

“Everyone from mom-and-pop gas stations to large-scale businesses like Universal Orlando Resort can take part in the program,” said Dave Mayer, OUC Water Meter & Field Operations Manager (previous Sustainability Supervisor), who adds that Orange County, Orange County Public Schools (OCPS) and Loews Hotels are among the organizations already participating.

One of the program’s success stories is OCPS, which has leveraged the program to fund sustainability programs – earning back just over $1.1 million for improvements made at 48 properties since first starting with the program in 2018.

Eligible Projects and How to Qualify

Qualifying energy-saving projects include HVAC systems, refrigeration, indoor lighting and certain industrial processes.

To qualify, commercial customers must install energy-efficient systems that deliver permanent demand reduction in addition to providing energy savings during OUC’s summer demand period – April through October, Monday through Friday, from 1 p.m. to 6 p.m.

Rebates are issued as a credit on the customer’s bill, based on the level of peak demand reduction achieved.

  • Non-lighting projects: $550 per kilowatt (kW) of demand reduction, plus $0.032 per kilowatt-hour (kWh) saved.
  • Indoor lighting projects: $250 per kW of demand reduction.

In addition to earning incentives, participants also benefit from lower ongoing energy costs by reducing overall consumption.

The Custom Incentive Program in Action at Orange County Public Schools

OCPS is a long-time program participant. Whenever a new construction or renovation project is planned, the district first evaluates whether it qualifies for the program.

According to OCPS’s Jennifer Fowler, Senior Director of Environmental Compliance & Sustainability, the most common projects where the district sees the most savings from OUC rebates are HVAC systems and cool roofs, which reflect sunlight to lower the temperature in a building.

“These rebates directly fuel sustainability initiatives – allowing the school district to reinvest savings into projects that improve energy efficiency, conserve water, and support teacher’s sustainability programs. This funding essentially functions as a revolving green fund, enabling the advancement of meaningful environmental progress without impacting district operating dollars. That is truly the most compelling story behind the value of these resources.” explained Fowler. “Our relationship with OUC provides the district with informed feedback which helps us maximize opportunities for rebates.”

Up to $200,000 in Savings Per Year Possible

Businesses can earn up to $200,000 in incentives per fiscal year, which starts October 1 and runs to September 30 each year. Program guidelines include:

  • Incentives may not exceed 50% of the total project cost.
  • The project’s simple return on investment must be greater than two years.
  • The project should also have a useful life of at least 10 years.

How to Get Started

Mayer recommends that prospective participants contact OUC’s Conservation Department early in the process, before purchasing new equipment, to confirm eligibility. OUC staff also are available to help with the qualification and application process and identifying strategies that will yield the most savings. Learn more about the Commercial and Industrial Custom Incentive Program.