Engine block heater timers are not a new concept. Block heaters don’t need to run all night for the motor to be warm enough to start up when needed. Simple timers were used to only run the block heaters for a short time. How much time should they run though? You could figure out the ambient temperature each day and change your timer settings daily or, what most people do is, assume worst-case scenarios and set the timer for that. That’s where the smart block heater timer or Power Badger started to gain popularity. It uses inputs such as ambient temperature to optimize preheat schedules dynamically.
This measure really gained popularity in the residential market as utility incentives were enough to offset much of the upfront cost, resulting in incredible payback periods to customers. Now people are asking, “what about my business?” The Rocky Mountain Power Residential and Business & Industry incentive offerings run independently, and the same residential incentives do not apply if you are a commercial or industrial customer. There are plans to create a simple application path, and we will keep you updated as that becomes clearly defined.
Today, we have a catch-all offering for items that don’t yet have a clearly defined prescriptive incentive, and we call it our custom path. This path is usually reserved for projects where a custom analysis is required for one-off equipment. It is a fully engineered path, so there is a bit of effort in order to qualify.
To participate in the custom incentive path:
- Submit an application: After you identify a project (or work with us to identify a project or projects), the first step is to submit a general application and provide your tax ID in a completed IRS Form W-9 so we (or our program administrator) can prepare a 1099-Misc. (if required) following the incentive payment.
- We provide a pre-inspection: Before you remove existing equipment, we need to establish an energy baseline. It is very important that we do this before you purchase anything new. Our inspection will identify efficiency options and help you understand the financial benefits of your investment.
- Sign an incentive offer: Sign an incentive offer before you begin project implementation. If you don’t have an incentive offer, you may not be able to receive an incentive.
- Implement your project: Purchase and install qualifying equipment at an eligible location.
- We provide a post-inspection: We may need to see that the new equipment is installed and operational. It can be a simple on-site inspection, or it may require more formal savings verification. You’ll be told what the requirements will be in your energy analysis.
- Receive a cash incentive: Congratulations! Within 45 days of final inspection, savings verification, and/or the receipt of all necessary cost documentation, you will receive your incentive.
To those asking, “what about my business?” the simple answer is yes, we have a solution for businesses and industry to get incentives for smart block heater controllers. While custom incentives are available, customers needing only one or two controllers may not be the best candidates. Customers with large fleets of diesel vehicles in a cold climate would be ideal candidates. The large potential incentive would help motivate all parties to complete the necessary steps to participate in the program.
If you feel you have a customer that is a good fit for the custom analysis path, please contact your outreach coordinator for more information. If you don’t, there is no need to act now. We will keep you informed as the simpler, prescriptive incentive is launched in your state.
For links to the other articles in this issue, go back to the original email.