Utility Programs

Michaels designs and delivers energy efficiency and demand response programs for utilities.  These programs deliver energy savings by combining the application of solid engineering principles with an end user orientation that addresses barriers to measure implementation.  Examples of programs include:

Retrocommissioning (RCx)

Michaels’ technical expertise allows us to perform comprehensive assessments of facilities.  Our knowledge of systems and controls means we can assess and analyze systems quickly saving costs while delivering savings.  Our customer orientation and marketing skills allow us to deliver programs that are cost effective for the utility through high close rates and end user confidence that the program will produce results for them.

• Accomplish deep energy savings—Identified energy savings average 22.5% per facility annually.
• Realize significant marketing close rates—80% for hospitals, 25% for schools, and 50% for colleges and universities.
• Deliver persistence of savings—Functional performance testing, user training, and bill monitoring ensure persistence of savings.
• Achieve realization rates (Net-to-Gross) substantially outperforming C&I program norms—Typical realization rates consistently exceed 90%.

Attain cost effectiveness consistent with the utility’s needs—Total program cost less than 6.5 cents per annual kWh saved.

Small Commercial Deep Retrofit

Michaels has designed and is delivering small business deep retrofit programs.  These programs address targeted customer types and develop measure lists and program marketing designed to ensure customer participation and energy savings.  These programs capitalize on Michaels’ staff experience with equipment, controls, and operation practices.  Combined with market characterization studies and innovative program designs and market channel management, substantial energy savings can be achieved.  These programs go beyond the minimal lighting retrofits and vendor misers to HVAC, refrigeration, and process applications.  Annual savings exceed 20% per facility and promote persistence via customer information and follow on services.  This program is designed to deliver energy savings for less than 8 cents per annual kWh saved.  Natural gas savings are designed for less than $1.20 per therm saved.