Frequently Asked Questions
What is energy efficiency?
Being energy efficient means using electricity and natural gas more effectively. Installing more energy efficient equipment is a good place to start and save money. In addition, taking advantage of Efficiency Smart™’s incentives will help offset upfront costs.
What types of rebates are available?
Efficiency Smart is offering incentives (rebates) on a defined set of energy efficient equipment generally on a per unit basis. The List of Measures includes: Lighting, HVAC, Refrigeration, Motors, Compressed Air, Food Service and more. Efficiency Smart also offers a custom program that provides special rebates to Efficiency Smart subscribing large commercial and industrial businesses with >500,000 kWh electric usage per year. The custom rebate is based largely on the estimated annual energy savings of the improvement.
Is there a list of available contractors/vendors?
Efficiency Smart does not make vendor or contractor recommendations. To search for a vendor in your area, please click here.
Am I required to use a contractor?
No. Many customers choose to install the measures themselves. In this situation, the vendor that sells the equipment to you should be listed as the contractor on the application form. Please note that for self-installed equipment, internal labor costs are not considered when determining the project costs.
What if I install the equipment myself?
Customers can install the equipment; however, self-installed measures are subject to all program rules including the possibility of on-site verification. Self-installed labor costs are not eligible for rebates.
Are newly constructed buildings available for rebates?
If the customer meets eligibility requirements, rebates are available for new construction.
Who do I contact if I have additional questions?
You can call us at 877-889-3777 or use or contact form at www.efficiencysmart.org/contact to submit a question.
Where do I submit my application?
There are three options to submit applications and supporting documentation, by mail, fax or email.
You can mail it directly to
Efficiency Smart
1111 Schrock Road
Suite 203
Columbus, Ohio 43229
You can email it to rebate@efficiencysmart.org
Or you can fax it to 614-785-0217
When do I submit my application?
Once the eligible measures have been installed and are operable, you may submit your application. Business Energy Rebates Program applications must be submitted by January 30, 2012 for projects completed during the 2011 program year. Custom Program applications must be submitted in accord with the terms and conditions specified on the Custom Project Agreement form.
How do I find out the status of my application?
An email notification will be sent at the following status milestones:
- Application received
- Application incomplete/request for additional information
- Application processed
- Verification required (usually on site, pictures may be suitable in certain situations)
- Check mailed
Please contact the program hotline if your project plans change after submitting your application. Milestone notification will be similar for custom projects.
Why do I need to provide my Tax Payer ID Number and Tax Status?
The rebate paid through this program may be considered taxable income. The program is required to report the incentive using the IRS Form 1099 if it is more than $600 for certain types of firms. Efficiency Smart is not responsible for any taxes that may be imposed on your business as a result of your receipt of a rebate.
Will my data be kept confidential?
All customer information provided to the program will be held in confidence. Please refer to the program rules for details.
How long does it take to receive my rebate check?
If the application is completed and approved in its entirety and signed by the customer with all the required supporting documentation to determine equipment eligibility, then you should receive a check(s) in the mail within 45 days. Incomplete documentation will delay the process until all the required information is received.
What if my equipment was installed prior to the program?
Equipment installed prior to January 1, 2011 is not eligible for a rebate.
I have installed energy efficiency measures that are not listed on your website or in any of your documents. Is it still eligible for a rebate?
Energy efficient measures that are not covered by our list of qualifying equipment but meet the technical specifications listed in the technical specifications section, may be eligible for the Business Energy Rebates Program. Please email the manufacturer's technical specifications and product information to info@efficiencysmart.org or call our Customer Support Specialists at 877-889-3777 to inquire about eligibility. Indicate in the subject line "product eligibility". These measures also may be eligible under our custom program (custom program rules apply).
How do I determine what energy savings measures are right for my facility/business?
Efficiency Smart can help you identify potential energy savings measures that are appropriate for your facility. Contractors that sell and install energy efficiency equipment may also be a useful source for this information.
What documentation is required for Applications, once my project is complete?
The Application must include project documentation:
- Properly completed and signed final application form
- Copies of dated and detailed invoices for the purchase and installation of the measures
- Product specification sheets
The project invoice should provide sufficient detail to separate the project cost from the cost of other services such as repairs and building code compliance, as well as show the location where the measures were installed. Efficiency Smart reserves the right to request additional supporting documentation as deemed necessary to ensure measure eligibility and verify the expected energy savings will occur. Requested information could include: equipment purchase dates, description of the pre-existing equipment, installation dates, proof that the equipment is operational, manufacturer specifications, warranty information, and proof of customer co-payment. Applicants are encouraged to call Efficiency Smart’s Customer Support Specialist at 877-889-3777 if they have any questions about documentation requirements. All customer information will be held in confidence.
What happens if rebates change before my project is completed?
Rebates are subject to change based on changes in the market. Efficiency Smart reserves the right to change rebate amounts at any time with or without notification. Rebates are also based on funds availability.
Is there a maximum amount of money I can receive?
Efficiency Smart has not posed any limits on the amount of rebates that each facility can receive; however, the program has limited funding. Efficiency Smart also has many non monetary technical services available to customers to help facilities reach their energy efficiency goals.
Once I receive my rebate, do I have any other program obligations?
Efficiency Smart reserves the right to perform measurement and verification activities for a period of five years after the measures were installed.
Can I have the rebate check sent directly to my contractor?
The applicant may have the rebate check sent directly to the contractor or other third party by indicating the name of the vendor/contractor and providing the information requested in the appropriate section of the application form.
When does the program end?
The first year program ends December 31, 2011. After this the second year program will begin.
What if I am a business that has a kWh usage slightly below 20,000 kWhs/year, am I ineligible for Business Energy Rebates Program?
There may be other options for your business. Please call our Customer Support Specialist to determine your eligibility at 877-889-3777.