Business Electrification Technical Assistance Program

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Are you looking for ways to shift away from fossil fuels? The Business Electrification Technical Assistance Program assists non-residential City of Palo Alto Utilities (CPAU) customers with conversion of gas equipment to efficient electric alternatives at their offices or facilities. By signing up for the Business Electrification Technical Assistance Program, you will receive:

  • Free consultation and on-site assessments to identify electrification opportunities relevant to your business and facilities 
  • Help finding qualified contractors for project upgrades
  • Rebates for eligible products to help offset project costs 

Benefits of Participation

Property owners, managers, tenants, and others can enjoy many benefits from the program, including:

  • Generous rebates to offset the costs of electrification projects: CPAU Deemed Rebate List for eligible products (PDF)
  • Improved health and comfort for business occupants and tenant retention
  • Increased sustainability through conserving natural resources and reducing emissions

How to Qualify

  • You need to be a non-residential customer who receives utility service from CPAU (i.e., must pay commercial rates for electric and/or gas utility services)
  • Your facility is currently in operation

 

How to Participate

A dedicated Energy Advisor will identify electrification opportunities for your business and guide you through the implementation process from start to finish. 

Step 1.Get an Electrification Assessment

After you complete the Pre-Assessment Questions and sign the Program Participation Agreement, your Energy Advisor will send you a confirmation email with a Site Assessment Scheduling Poll to schedule an in-person Energy and Water Efficiency Assessment. A trained energy professional will evaluate your business equipment such as lighting, heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) systems, hot water systems, refrigeration and more. This customized assessment will pinpoint exactly where your business can benefit from efficiency by identifying electric, gas and water use equipment that is ready for upgrades and/or retrofits.

If you are ready to schedule an assessment today, please complete the Pre-Assessment Questions below. Please review and sign the program participation agreement(PDF, 721KB) before your assessment.

Pre-assessment questions

Step 2.Review Assessment Report with an Energy Advisor

Your Energy Advisor will review your customized report findings, including a comprehensive summary of findings with electrification upgrade recommendations. You'll receive unbiased advice to better understand the report and help with prioritizing your recommended upgrades based on input, budget, payback and your goals.

Step 3.Start Your Upgrade Project

Once you decide to move forward with the recommended projects from your assessment and the projects are approved, you can get started on the installation using any contractor of your choice. An Energy Advisor can also help you find qualified contractors for project upgrades and review and compare bids from contractors.

Step 4.Receive Your Rebate

After installation, staff will verify the completed project at your facility and confirm the rebate amount. Once approved, CPAU will issue you a rebate within 2–3 weeks.

 

Frequently Asked Questions

How much do electrification projects cost?

Costs can vary depending on the size and scope of the project. Upfront costs can be offset with rebates.

Do you offer financing?

Your Energy Advisor will help you explore financing options.

What is electrification?

Electrification refers to the process of replacing technologies that use fossil fuels (coal, oil, and natural gas) with technologies that use electricity as a source of energy. Electrification is a key strategy to reducing greenhouse gas emissions.

Recent HVAC Webinar

In this webinar you can learn about maximizing the efficiency and performance of your HVAC system, with a special focus on heat pumps. Learn about energy-saving strategies and advancements in heat pump technology from HVAC expert and Engineering Manager at CLEAResult, Steve Brennan.

View the Recording

Looking for other ways to to make your business more efficient and lower your utility bill?

Begin with the Business Energy Advisor as the gateway to all energy and water efficiency options from City of Palo Alto Utilities.

Get Started

Contact Us

Phone: (650) 761-6417

Email: businessenergyadvisor@cityofpaloalto.org

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