Idaho Building Efficiency Update for Commercial Design and Construction Professionals – Energy Efficiency Pays. Now More Than Ever.

August 2005

Status: Sixteen Weeks into Program

In the sixteen weeks since the Building Efficiency program was kicked off, we’ve received 21 Expressions of Interest.
Over seventy percent of those are new buildings. The total floor space adds up to over a half million square feet with total project construction costs of nearly $35 million.

Most of the projects are in the Treasure Valley. They average three to four measures with the most common ones being high efficiency exit signs and lighting designs that exceed code by ten percent.

One project has been completed and paid (more below). Seven projects are nearly completed and have applications for incentive payments. These projects are expected to save over 100,000 kWh/year and cut peak demand by nearly 34 kW when they’re completed.

First Incentive Payment Made
Idaho Youth Ranch’s newly remodeled thrift store on Chinden Blvd in Garden City was the first project completed. The Youth Ranch earned $750 for reflective roof treatment and occupancy sensors – design changes made during the renovation of this space.

Earn a Commissioning Bonus
Commissioning is a third-party double-check that the building (or specific system) operates as it was designed. Any project can earn a commissioning bonus.

An added bonus of up to twenty percent of the incentive can be earned. For a project set to get a $15,000 incentive, a whole building commissioning bonus could give them a $3,000 larger payment to cover their added costs.

The commissioning agent needs to be approved by Idaho Power first. Call for a Pre-Approval form. More information on commissioning is on the Building Commissioning Association Web site (www.bcxa.org).

Remember the Program Timelines
One of the most common program questions has to do with the timeline. A project has to start after April 15, 2005 (when the program was kicked off). Projects where the equipment in questions was purchased and installed prior to that date cannot qualify for this incentive program.

There are also questions about the Dec 15, 2005 program deadline. That date is when the project needs to be completed and an application submitted in order to be paid under this program. For projects that won’t be completed until later, there will be a program next year and beyond. It’s just that some incentive levels (or other details) could be slightly different than this year’s program. And, don’t forget, there’s still time to get as much as $20,000 for projects that will be completed this year.

Upcoming Training Opportunity
The Idaho chapter of the US Green Building Council has scheduled their August program – “Underfloor Distribution Design & Applications”. This event will be a brown bag lunch on Aug. 25 starting at noon. The location has been changed from earlier notices; it will be held at the Cole-Poe office building (500 W Front Street, Boise).

Why submit an Expression of Interest?
The Expression of Interest is a simple form on the Idaho Power Web site (see link below). It’s not required for a Building Efficiency incentive, but it’s encouraged. It helps us know who’s planning to apply, for what, and when. It’s also helpful for the applicant – and their design team – to start a dialog with Idaho Power about their project.

Who to call if you have any Questions
There still are projects underway or being planned where the owners or developers are unaware of this incentive. If you know anyone like that, please share this information. For other questions, call Curt Nichols at (208) 388-6484.

Curt Nichols
Commercial Program Manager

Building Efficiency for Commercial Construction

Energy Efficiency Pays. Now More Than Ever.

Phone: 208.388.6484

E-mail: [email protected]

You can learn more about Building Efficiency at http://www.idahopower.com/buildingefficiency