Controlling energy costs: A smart move for business owners

Energy costs are a significant yet controllable operating expense for many businesses. By upgrading commercial lighting fixtures, heating and cooling systems, refrigeration, and kitchen equipment to newer, more efficient technology, businesses can achieve substantial energy and cost savings year after year.

PowerShift by NV Energy’s Business Energy Services has been instrumental in helping hundreds of businesses, from small enterprises to large corporations, become more energy efficient and save money. A notable example is a local bank in Reno that partnered with our Instant Discount program in the spring 2024. This bank aimed to reduce its energy consumption and create a better environment for both customers and employees.

The bank reached out to a PowerShift energy adviser, who identified lighting as the major area for improvement. By retrofitting their interior lighting from fluorescent tubes to tubular LEDs and replacing fluorescent U-bend fixtures with LED flat panels, the bank is projected to save nearly 10,000 kWh of energy annually, this is equivalent to charging 461,186 smartphones. The project, which cost just over $2,500, received an instant discount of $384 at the point of sale by purchasing from a participating distributor.

The customer saw immediate and significant savings on their energy bills and improved operational productivity and employee satisfaction by having a brighter and more comfortable workspace. It is estimated that the payback period for this project will be about two years. The customer can use the savings generated by this project to undertake more energy efficiency projects in the coming years to further improve operations.

The Instant Discount program from PowerShift by NV Energy offers instant rebates to eligible business customer accounts and contractors on the purchase of qualifying interior and exterior lighting fixtures. These energy-efficient purchases are made through local distributors, who provide the NV Energy rebate at the time of purchase.

“It was my pleasure to collaborate with this company and help them find opportunities to be more sustainable and save money. Once I explained the environmental and financial benefits of switching out their lighting, they were excited to get started,” said a PowerShift energy adviser.

For business owners looking to reduce energy costs and improve operational efficiency, participating in the Instant Discount program is a smart move. Not only does it provide immediate financial incentives, but it also contributes to long-term savings and a more sustainable business model. To find a distributor near you and get started with the Instant Discount program, visit nvenergy.com/bes and select Instant Discount. Take the first step toward a more energy-efficient and cost-effective future for your business today.

Working with a PowerShift energy adviser proved to be a smart and rewarding decision for this customer. By taking advantage of the expertise and incentives offered by Business Energy Services, businesses can achieve energy efficiency, environmental sustainability, and economic success. If you are unsure where to start in your sustainability journey or if you are ready to start saving today, contact an energy adviser from PowerShift by NV Energy by calling 800-342-6335, emailing bes@nvenergy.com, or visiting www.nvenergy.com/bes.

Controlling energy costs is not just about saving money; it’s about creating a better work environment, enhancing productivity, and contributing to a sustainable future. By leveraging programs like the Instant Discount Program and collaborating with knowledgeable advisers, business owners can make informed decisions that benefit their bottom line and the environment. Start your journey toward energy efficiency today and see the positive impact it can have on your business.

Matt Mareno is a senior engineer for NV Energy Business Energy Services with over 12 years of experience helping commercial customers in Northern Nevada take advantage of available utility incentive programs. A graduate of the University of Nevada, Reno, Mareno is a Certified Energy Manager (CEM), Certified Measurement and Verification Professional (CMVP), and member of the Association of Energy Engineers (AEE), the American Society of Heating Refrigerating and Air-Conditioning Engineers (ASHRAE), and the Northern Nevada Facility Management Association (NNFMA). In his time with NV Energy Business Energy Services, Mareno has helped customers save over 300 million kilowatt-hours of energy usage.