Business$ense is a Golden Valley Electric Association program designed to increase the efficiency with which energy is used on GVEA's system. It provides rebates of up to $20,000 to commercial members who reduce their lighting loads through energy efficient lighting retrofit projects.

Did you know?

Lighting represents about 20% of electrical consumption in the United States and it's estimated that this amount could be cut in half if older, less efficient lighting were replaced with more energy efficient, modern lighting.

Who is eligible?

Facilities which receive electric service from GVEA on a commercial rate (GS-1 or GS-2) are eligible. Business$ense is unable to serve commercial facilities which are:

• Residential duplexes or detached residential garages. These facilities would be better served through GVEA's Home$ense program.
• New facilities. Only existing structures are eligible.
• Government accounts.

What lighting measures are eligible?

Efficient lighting measures must meet minimum program specifications to be eligible for a rebate. Beyond this requirement, members are free to decide how best to reduce their lighting load and which equipment best meets their needs.

How are projects selected?

Commercial customers interested in replacing their existing lighting system may submit a proposal to GVEA for consideration. GVEA staff will review the proposal, and if the project is mutually beneficial, GVEA may issue a contract. The rebate amount will tie directly to the reduced load or reduced demand on GVEA's system. Customers will be served on a first come, first served basis.

What does the rebate cover?

Rebates can be applied to the cost of the products and their installation. Rebates will not be applied toward consultation or design fees. Customers must contribute two years' anticipated electric bill savings toward the project cost. Rebates can be up to $1,000/kilowatt (kW) or 50% of the project cost, not to exceed $20,000 per project.

Who can do the work?

Members, consultants, installation contractors and/or equipment vendors may prepare a Business$ense Proposal. Emphasis should be placed both on saving electric energy demand (kW) and on meeting the lighting needs of the facility and the member. A licensed electrical contractor must perform the installation.

How do I start?

• Call GVEA, stop by, or download the Business$ense information booklet(.pdf). This booklet provides an overview of Business$ense, explains how to submit a proposal for funding, describes the roles of the participants and provides the qualifying specifications for equipment.
• Once you've decided to participate, call GVEA or download the Energy Efficient Lighting Proposal Guide (.xls). The guide provides everything needed to prepare a Proposal, including worksheets for submitting your Proposal, all required forms and a sample of the Energy Efficient Lighting Contract.
• Submit the completed Proposal for GVEA's review.
• GVEA will schedule a pre-project inspection.
• If the project is mutually beneficial and program monies are available, GVEA will offer a contract.
• When the project is complete, GVEA will perform a post-inspection and issue your rebate, provided the contract has been fulfilled.
• Fill out the required tax forms.