More Maine Small Businesses Are Now Eligible for Enhanced Energy Efficiency Incentives

There’s a rich variety of small businesses across Maine. Although they may be different in many ways, something many have in common is the opportunity to improve their energy efficiency. With newly expanded eligibility requirements, more small businesses can consider participating in Efficiency Maine’s Small Business Initiative (SBI) to gain access to larger incentives on energy-saving solutions like high-efficiency lighting retrofits and HVAC equipment. By expanding eligibility, the program aims to make it easier for small businesses to invest in energy efficiency and, at the same time, lower up-front costs, deliver long-term savings, and reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

Why participate in SBI?

The Commercial and Industrial Prescriptive Initiatives (CIPI) program offers energy efficiency solutions that fit a wide range of business sectors. Every business faces unique challenges and shifting priorities that can hamper its ability to take advantage of energy efficiency upgrades and available incentives. Small businesses, in particular, tend to encounter greater barriers to accessing energy efficiency and clean energy upgrades, primarily due to affordability, which is why SBI offers enhanced incentives – typically 25% to 40% above standard CIPI incentive levels.

How does CIPI define small business?

Eligibility for SBI incentives is simple. Rather than being based on revenues or employee headcount, eligibility is based on energy usage. If a business has an electric account labeled Small General Service (SGS), General Service (GS), or Medium General Service MGS), and an average monthly electrical demand of up to 100 kW, it qualifies. In many cases, eligibility can be confirmed by reviewing a monthly electric bill. If you’re not sure if your business qualifies, you can find bill examples online or check with the Efficiency Maine team by clicking here.

Previously, eligibility was capped at an average electricity demand of 50 kW per month. Your business may not have been eligible before, but may now qualify for enhanced incentives. It’s worth revisiting. 

More than just incentives

Making the switch to a high-efficiency HVAC system is a big step for a small business.

To help them take that step, Efficiency Maine offers access to small business energy loans. These financing options complement incentives for eligible small business owners who are interested in upgrading to high-performance heat pumps and Variable Refrigerant Flow (VRF) systems (Learn more about commercial heat pump systems for businesses here). Loan amounts may be as low as $2,000 or as high as $10,000 per customer location. Small business energy loans offer a competitive 4.99% interest rate, requiring no money down and no closing fees. 

How to get started

You can find additional details at efficiencymaine.com/at-work/small-business.

Efficiency Maine also offers no-cost, no-obligation consultations exclusively for prospective commercial and industrial customers. To help you identify eligible upgrades, incentives, and discuss other facets of Efficiency Maine’s commercial and industrial programs, visit efficiencymaine.com/business-customer-consultation.

To subscribe to Efficiency Maine’s blog and receive the latest program updates, click here.