The offer below now goes out to all small businesses involved in SBA:B...But you have to act this month! Below is a note from Richard describing the program. Call Richard directly to get your company on the list: Community Energy Services, 510/644-8546

"In return for the approval to install higher efficiency lights and controls we'll do a free energy audit. If they decide to go ahead with our recommendations for lighting retrofit improvements (if there are good opportunities), we can fund UP TO $1500 of the cost of the installation. This is in addition to rebates they can get from PG&E under the statewide energy efficiency incentive program that began April 2. However, the construction must be completed before May 31, so the company must be interested and willing to move quickly.

"We manage an experimental program for the City called the Commercial Technical Assistance Program (CTAP). The program is designed to "buy down" the estimated payback period of the new energy efficiency measures to 2 years. In other words, if the electricity cost savings would normally take 2.5 years to repay the initial cost of equipment and installation, CTAP will pay the owner the amount necessary to recover the capital investment in just 2 years. CTAP will pay a minimum of 10% and maximum of 35% of the installed cost, to a maximum dollar amount of $1500. It is available only to small businesses.

"We thought the funds for this year were fully subscribed, but had some last minute cancellations or delays with several commercial businesses. The May 31 deadline is absolute. We need to spend the money or it will go away. "Feel free to notify SBA:B members about this opportunity, as well. We may be able to do several businesses with the remaining funds."

Thanks Richard!

Kelly Costa, Green Resource Center
e-mail: costa@igc.org