Tips & Resources
The Consumers Energy Business Solutions electric incentive program is fully subscribed and has been closed. Electric incentive applications received on or after June 2, 2010 will be placed on a waitlist and filled on a first-in basis subject to the availability of funds. Applications for natural gas savings incentives still are being accepted.
For additional information, please review our Frequently Asked Questions.
Using energy wisely is a smart way for all businesses to reduce overhead and improve profitability. Consumers Energy encourages all Michigan businesses to take advantage of these important benefits through our Consumers Energy Business Solutions. You also may take other steps to enhance the energy efficiency of your business. Click on the measures below for helpful hints you can use right away. Visit the online resource links to choose more energy efficient systems. And go to our Trade Ally Listing to find participating contractors in your area.
- Replace T12 (1.5" diameter) fluorescent tubes and magnetic ballasts with T8 (1" diameter) fluorescent tubes and electronic ballasts to reduce lighting energy use by 35 to 45 percent. See incentives on T8 lighting.
- Install compact fluorescent lighting (CFL) where appropriate. CFLs last up to 10 times longer and use 75 percent less energy than traditional light bulbs. See incentives on CFL lighting and fixtures.
- Install light emitting diode (LED) exit signs. They use 80 percent less energy and last 10 years, compared to 12 months or less for incandescent. See incentives on LED exit signs.
- Install occupancy sensors and timers in areas that are used sporadically such as break rooms, restrooms and storage areas. This way lights are only on when someone is in the room, reducing energy use by up to 40 percent. See incentives on sensors.
- Replace your metal halide lighting with more efficient and easier to control fluorescent fixtures which will save you nearly half on your energy use. See incentives on fluorescent lighting.
- Make sure indoor lights are turned off overnight and on weekends. And make sure outdoor lights are turned off during the day.
- Clean bulbs, light fixtures and lamps regularly. By removing dust and dirt you may increase the output of your lights.
- To prevent glare, eyestrain and headaches, do not “over light.” Too much light can produce poor visual quality and costs more. The key to a successful lighting project is to pick the correct lamps, including number of lamps per fixture, reflectors, control strategy, wiring and switch schemes to best meet your needs.
- Recycle fluorescent light tubes and high intensity discharge (HID) lamps due to mercury and trace amounts of other metals.
- If your heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) system is approaching the end of its rated lifetime, requires extensive repairs, or is inoperable, replace this equipment with high efficiency models to save 20 to 50 percent on your energy consumption. See incentives on HVAC system components.
- Install properly sized high-efficiency heating and cooling products. Properly sized ducts and variable speed fans may reduce fan energy consumption. See incentives on HVAC system components.
- Install a programmable thermostat to adjust for changing occupancy patterns and production activity. It may cut your HVAC energy expenses by 30 percent. Add a locking cover to prevent tampering. See incentives on programmable thermostats.
- Larger facilities should consider installing a centralized energy management system (EMS) to get more precise control over HVAC and other equipment. This may improve efficiency and reduce maintenance. See incentives on EMS.
- Make sure your chiller is the right size. An oversized chiller costs more to purchase and more to operate because of substantial energy losses from excessive cycling. See incentives on chillers.
- Change or clean air conditioning and furnace filters regularly. Dirty filters reduce airflow and cause equipment to work harder.
- Use ceiling fans to keep the air moving. Moving air can feel 3 degrees to 5 degrees cooler and can save you 3 percent on cooling costs.
- Caulk, seal and weatherstrip around all doors and windows. You may reduce heating and air conditioning usage by limiting air leaks
- Whether you need a natural gas water heater or pool heater, choosing energy efficient or ENERGY STAR®-rated models may save you money by providing more heat per dollar. See incentives on water heating measures.
- In areas of infrequent use, consider “tankless” water heaters to reduce “standby” storage costs and waste. See incentives on tankless water heaters.
- Increase energy efficiency by putting insulation blankets on water heaters seven years of age and older as well as pipe wrap on the first 3 feet of the heated water “out” pipe. See incentives on pipe wrap.
- Set water temperatures only as hot as needed (110˚F degrees to 120˚F degrees) to prevent scalds and save energy. (Check local codes for specific temperatures.)
- Install low-flow faucets, showerheads and dishwashing equipment in any on-site facilities, and repair any water leaks promptly.
- Consider energy efficient motors for all new installations and replacements. Energy efficient motors are generally 2 to 8 percent more efficient than standard motors and have a lower failure rate. See incentives on motors.
- If you are using single speed motors to drive fans or pumps, you may be able to save energy through the use of a variable frequency drive (VFD). A VFD continually adjusts according to the load and the power needed and reduces energy use and wear and tear on the motor. See incentives on motors.
- Use high-efficiency ice machines and set production for non-peak hours to reduce demand charges. See incentives on efficient ice machines.
- Put night covers on open display cases. By trapping refrigerated air, the covers reduce electricity use by up to 40 percent and keep food colder. See incentives on night covers.
- Add energy-misers to beverage and snack vending machine to cut electricity use by up to 80 percent. See incentives on vending machine controllers.
- Replace old, high-volume kitchen sprayers with high-velocity, low-flow models. You’ll use half the water, cut energy use for water heating and reduce sewage costs.
- Use ENERGY STAR® labeled products whenever possible. These products have a level of energy efficiency that exceeds federal standards.