In remote Southeast communities, electricity costs for local businesses can be very high. Businesses don’t qualify for power cost equalization — a state program that subsidizes energy costs for private residents. But a small federal grant could help businesses identify some simple ways to save.
When you hear the word “audit,” good things may not come to mind. You might think about the IRS peeking into your personal accounts, finding you owe more on your taxes.
“Sometimes I call it an assessment so we don’t get that negative connotation with it,” says Shaine Kilcoyne, a director of the Renewable Energy Alaska Project.
She said this audit is something businesses might want to sign up for.
“The level of energy audit we’re doing is really trying to get an understanding of how the building is using energy,” Kilcoyne said.
Up to 26 Southeast businesses can request the energy audit, and the grant covers most of the costs. Kilcoyne says to think of it as more of a workshop. After businesses turn over two years of electricity and heating info, an energy auditor stops by and makes suggestions.
“Some of the easier ones are efficient lighting. LEDs have become a lot more affordable. Weatherization — we see a lot of cracks in doors and windows,” Kilcoyne said.
And those suggestions can save big bucks, especially in communities that run primarily on diesel. In Hoonah last year, the energy auditor recommended LED lights in the harbor and gym.
“They had these old lights that would buzz and take a while to turn on, and they were having we’re having a problem keeping the gym open,” Kilcoyne said.
After the switch, the city saved $17,000.
Kilcoyne says this year they’re considering offering the energy audits to commercial fishing vessels, too. Later on, the final reports could help businesses qualify for loans to finance more expensive improvements.
Even though that’s money spent, Kilcoyne thinks it’s also money saved.
“That could go back to staying open longer or hiring more people or expanding their business,” she said.
The Renewable Energy Alaska Project is administering the $95,000. It was awarded to Southeast Conference — an economic development organization based in Juneau.
