A look at how energy efficiency helps Vermont businesses run more profitably
Dan Mellinger is an engineer and Business Energy Services Senior Project Manager and Paul Lambert is a Business Development Territory Manager, both with Efficiency Vermont.
send in a question of your own
Q: I'd like to lower energy costs at my business, but I have a restaurant/bar close to a ski resort, so cash flow is seasonal. Because of this, large investments are major challenges. Do you know of businesses faced with this problem that have found a way to pay for energy-efficiency upgrades?
-AC, Killington
A:
Paul:
Definitely. Many Vermont businesses, seasonal or not, are using financing for energy-saving upgrades. Financing can make it not only possible but also profitable to invest in energy efficiency. In some cases, this approach can result in positive net cash flow from day one - leaving you with more cash in-hand than before, and a quick return on your investment.
Dan:
Paul's got a good point. And financing allows you to pay for the project with energy savings, without having to make a large up-front capital investment.
Paul:
A great option for a business with a seasonal cash flow is financing with a seasonal leasing plan. These days, you can lease all kinds of equipment and systems, such as lights, boilers, insulation, and much more. Here's how it works: You let the leasing company know which months you prefer to make payments and which months you prefer to make a reduced payment or no payment at all. The leasing company then will tailor the lease to fit your needs. For example, you may not want to make lease payments during the summer months when customers aren't lining up to get into your restaurant/bar.
Dan:
As far as efficiency opportunities go, one of the most cost-effective investments you can make is to install energy-efficient lighting, such as High-Performance T8s, compact fluorescent lights, or track lighting that uses halogen infrared or metal halide technology.
Paul:
Efficiency Vermont offers rebates on qualifying, cost-effective, energy-saving lighting and equipment purchases. To find out about eligibility requirements for rebates, customized financing, or leasing options, visit the business rebate center or give us a call, toll-free, at 888-921-5990.
