Energy FinAnswer

To help you upgrade to the most energy-efficient systems available, our Energy FinAnswer program in California offers high-quality engineering services and cash incentives tailored to the needs of your new construction/major renovation project. To learn more about the program, click on any question or section below; click the question again to “close” it.

How it works (program steps)

Please contact us as early as possible to get started. Use our online inquiry form, call 1-800-222-4335 or email energy.expert@pacificorp.com.

Design Assistance	Energy Analysis
For projects where energy code applies (whole building approach)	For projects where energy code does not apply or where building will not exceed code by at least 10% (system/measure approach)
Scoping: We sign a letter of intent (PDF) with you. Then, working with you, we identify potential energy efficiency opportunities. We go over the preliminary numbers with you and discuss your implementation plans and schedule.
Energy analysis: We provide an energy analysis report for the opportunities with the highest likelihood of implementation. The report contains specific recommendations and refined estimated of incremental costs and savings compared to a building that meets code. It also includes our incentive offer and any commissioning requirements. We pay for the study.	Energy analysis: We provide an energy analysis report for the opportunities with the highest likelihood of implementation. The report contains specific recommendations and refined estimated of incremental costs and savings compared to code-compliant or common-practice systems. It also includes our incentive offer and any commissioning requirements. We pay for the study.
Incentive agreement and W-9 form: We sign an incentive agreement (PDF) with you before you sign purchase orders or make other financial commitments to proceed with implementation. The incentive is estimated based on the energy analysis. You provide a completed W-9 form (PDF) so we can prepare a 1099-Misc. (if required) following the incentive payment.
Construction document review: We review the construction documents to confirm the proposed measures are included.	N/A
Implementation: You complete contracting and installation, then notify us when each is done. You complete the required commissioning tasks and provide documentation of installed equipment, proper operation and copies of required invoices.
Post-installation inspection and incentive payment: We complete a post-installation inspection report that documents the energy savings and incremental costs of the as-built project. We calculate the incentive amount based on the inspection results and provide you with the incentive check.

Please contact us as early as possible to get started. Use our online inquiry form, call 1-800-222-4335 or email energy.expert@pacificorp.com.

Design Assistance

Energy Analysis

For projects where energy code applies (whole building approach)

For projects where energy code does not apply or where building will not exceed code by at least 10% (system/measure approach)

Scoping: We sign a letter of intent (PDF) with you. Then, working with you, we identify potential energy efficiency opportunities. We go over the preliminary numbers with you and discuss your implementation plans and schedule.

Energy analysis: We provide an energy analysis report for the opportunities with the highest likelihood of implementation. The report contains specific recommendations and refined estimated of incremental costs and savings compared to a building that meets code. It also includes our incentive offer and any commissioning requirements. We pay for the study.

Energy analysis: We provide an energy analysis report for the opportunities with the highest likelihood of implementation. The report contains specific recommendations and refined estimated of incremental costs and savings compared to code-compliant or common-practice systems. It also includes our incentive offer and any commissioning requirements. We pay for the study.

Incentive agreement and W-9 form: We sign an incentive agreement (PDF) with you before you sign purchase orders or make other financial commitments to proceed with implementation. The incentive is estimated based on the energy analysis. You provide a completed W-9 form (PDF) so we can prepare a 1099-Misc. (if required) following the incentive payment.

Construction document review: We review the construction documents to confirm the proposed measures are included.

N/A

Implementation: You complete contracting and installation, then notify us when each is done. You complete the required commissioning tasks and provide documentation of installed equipment, proper operation and copies of required invoices.

Post-installation inspection and incentive payment: We complete a post-installation inspection report that documents the energy savings and incremental costs of the as-built project. We calculate the incentive amount based on the inspection results and provide you with the incentive check.

How much are the incentives

What are the technical services?

We'll provide at no cost to you, the energy analysis and a post-installation calculation of annual savings for the project as installed and operating. The services vary by project type and scope.

Energy code applies (whole building approach)	Energy code does not apply or building will not exceed code by 10% (system/measure approach)
Design assistance - services help your design team incorporate energy efficiency measures into the construction documents. Goal - whole building at least 10 percent better than code. Note: Design team incentives may be available.	Energy analysis - services identify energy efficiency opportunities and quantify savings and costs. The analysis is vendor neutral and investment grade, so you'll have information to guide your implementation decision and funding approval process.

Energy code applies
(whole building approach)

Energy code does not apply or building will not exceed code by 10%
(system/measure approach)

Design assistance - services help your design team incorporate energy efficiency measures into the construction documents.

Goal - whole building at least 10 percent better than code.

Note: Design team incentives may be available.

Energy analysis - services identify energy efficiency opportunities and quantify savings and costs. The analysis is vendor neutral and investment grade, so you'll have information to guide your implementation decision and funding approval process.

We'll provide at no cost to you, the energy analysis and a post-installation calculation of annual savings for the project as installed and operating. The services vary by project type and scope.

Energy code applies
(whole building approach)

Energy code does not apply or building will not exceed code by 10%
(system/measure approach)

Design assistance - services help your design team incorporate energy efficiency measures into the construction documents.

Goal - whole building at least 10 percent better than code.

Note: Design team incentives may be available.

Who is eligible?

All commercial, industrial and agricultural customers in California are eligible.

What qualifies?

Planned installation of proven technologies that:

increase electric energy efficiency
exceed code requirements or industry standards

And what does not qualify?

some projects already in progress
projects involving fuel switching

Planned installation of proven technologies that:

increase electric energy efficiency

exceed code requirements or industry standards

And what does not qualify?

some projects already in progress

projects involving fuel switching

When will you be paid?

For projects with an executed incentive agreement the incentive is paid within 45 days after completion of the post-installation inspection report.

Who's in charge?

Once you make a commitment, you remain in control. You choose the technologies and the manufacturers you want to use. You choose the contractors with whom you'll be working. From analysis through installation, we will work within your planning and construction schedules. Think of us as an extension of your own team — there to offer information, confirmation and options for your decision making.

Brochures and other information