Does anyone actively help small commercial clients with energy efficiency rebates as part of your audit services? Had a restaurant owner ask if upgrading to LED lighting would qualify for utility rebates. I know it's outside our normal scope but seems like it could be additional value. Worth exploring or should I stick to billing error recovery?
Energy efficiency rebates for small commercial clients?
Kenneth, I've dabbled in efficiency rebates but honestly it's a different skillset than what we do. The paperwork and qualification requirements are pretty involved. I usually refer those clients to energy efficiency contractors who specialize in that stuff. Better to focus on what we do best - finding billing errors and rate optimization.
Randy's right about it being different expertise. I tried getting into rebates a few years back and it was way more complicated than I expected. Pre-approval requirements, installation verification, tons of documentation. Stick with billing audits and maybe partner with someone who does efficiency work if clients ask.
That's what I was thinking too. Thanks for the reality check. I'll focus on the billing side and maybe build some referral relationships for the efficiency questions.