JACKSON, Wyoming – Energy Conservation Works (ECW) encourages local businesses to take advantage of low-cost energy audits and zero-interest loans to increase the efficiency of their operations.

Until March 2022, Lower Valley Energy (LVE) is able to cover 75% of the cost of energy audits for small businesses and agricultural producers in Wyoming, providing businesses with solutions on how to improve operations, building health and saving money and energy. A building audit is required to access ECW’s Low Interest Commercial Loan Program, so take advantage of the reduced audit costs while you can!

“We hope that local businesses take this opportunity to benefit from a very discounted audit and to benefit from zero rate loans to perform efficiency upgrades,” said Phil Cameron, Executive Director of Energy Conservation. Works.

The Business Energy Audit Program has helped assess technologies that are profitable for LVE’s small business members to be more energy efficient over the past two years. This program was due to expire in March 2021, however, due to COVID-19 restrictions, LVE was able to secure an extension of the program for an additional year.

“An energy audit can help you prioritize energy saving projects and estimate simple return on investment,” says Amy Walton, conservation specialist at LVE. “Add in a possible LVE rebate and a low interest ECW loan, that makes sense. I wish more business members would take advantage of this rare opportunity.

If you own a small business and are currently exploring ways to reduce costs and increase efficiency, an energy audit is a very useful tool. By participating in LVE’s energy audit program, member companies also have access to LVE’s energy efficiency incentives, 0% funding through energy conservation works, as well as grants and loans from USDA Rural Development.

Three types of energy audits are offered:

1. Targeted energy audit: detailed technical analysis of a single energy efficiency project identified by the member. (For example: a commercial kitchen is considering replacing a walk-in freezer)
2. Demand management audit: possibilities to minimize load peaks and electricity demands. (For “large commercial” accounts with application fees)
3. Full energy audit: a high level analysis of all energy efficiency opportunities. (For businesses looking for a broad basic understanding of their energy use and opportunities)

Interested parties should contact LVE Conservation Specialist Amy Walton at 307-739-6045 or [email protected] for more information and to register.