Consumers Energy for Trade Allies

February 2023

This edition contains the following updates: Revised Project Cost Rule, Active Budget Meters, Missed 2022 Application Bonus, MEECA Membership Offer, 2023 Michigan Energy Summit, Selling Energy’s Virtual Selling Program, Early Completion Bonus, 2023 Bonuses At-A-Glance, Trade Ally Rewards Points, Program Staffing Update, Business Instant Discount, Small Business Program, and Upcoming Trainings.

Must Read: Revised Project Cost Rule

After an extended review and analysis, a revision has been made to the Project Cost rule. Effective immediately, the rule now states that 100% of the project cost or the eligible rebate, whichever is lower will be paid for prescriptive applications.

To ensure applications are processed accurately and efficiently, please make sure all project costs are submitted. If you have questions or concerns, please reach out to your assigned Energy Advisor for assistance.

2023 Active Budget Meters 

These meters represent the amount of incentive dollar savings already active for the 2023 large business program year. We already have 41% of the active electric savings goal and 35% of the natural gas savings goal. Starting the year strong, get your pre-application in today! 

Missed 2022 Application 20% Bonus

We are offering a 20% bonus to Trade Allies and contractors when you submit a missed 2022 application. The 20% is calculated from the final paid incentive amount. Details are as follows:

• Applies to both electric and/or natural gas measures
• There is a $20,000/project cap on this Missed 2022 Application Bonus
• No minimum incentive amount
• Must opt-in, opt-in form must be submitted with the final application
• Click here for official rules and opt-in form
• Click here for the flyer
• See your Energy Advisor for more details

MEECA Membership Offer

We are offering our Trade Allies a complimentary annual Contractor Membership to MEECA, valued at up to $1,000. This membership allows you to network with other energy efficiency professionals, influence 

legislation, improve program design and much more. To learn more about the benefits of a MEECA membership, click here. New members only, please.

2023 Michigan Energy Summit

April 18 • JW Marriott • Grand Rapids

Don’t miss out on sponsoring or exhibiting at Michigan's premier energy event!

By sponsoring or exhibiting at the Michigan Energy Summit, you unlock access to hundreds of professionals in the energy sector and support ongoing innovation in Michigan. As a sponsor/exhibitor, you will be acknowledged as a leader in the energy sector, be immersed in the latest industry trends, and network with fellow peers. Register now!  

Selling Energy Virtual Selling Training

As more customers prefer remote interactions over in-person meetings, the need to learn virtual selling techniques is more urgent than ever.

The new Selling Energy Virtual Selling Training is optimized for busy energy professionals: a full-day in-person workshop; six 60-minute “highlights” webinars; online/on-demand resources; and ongoing live/virtual coaching with Mark Jewell.

In this program attendees will learn: 1) How using video helps advance sales and marketing efforts with both existing and new customers. 2) how to craft powerful video content by leveraging Selling Energy’s field-proven approaches.

This $2,000 per seat training will be made FREE by Consumers Energy to their Business Energy Efficiency Trade Allies. The training will be held in May in the Lansing Area. More details and registration information will be included in a future correspondence as they become available. Stay tuned!

Early Completion Bonus

During the Trade Ally Rollout we announced an Early Completion Bonus, see the chart below. Starting Dec. 12, any new pre-application (or final, if a pre-application is not required) over $10,000 can opt-in for this Bonus. 

See the full Bonus rules, details and opt-in form by clicking here or connect with your Energy Advisor. 

2023 Bonuses At-A-Glance

We currently have 4 active bonuses, click the chart below to see in detail or speak with your Energy Advisor. 

Trade Ally Reward Points

2022 points expire Feb. 28. Now's the time to redeem them for something you want! The points cap for 2023 is still 200,000. Contact Mindie with questions.

Program Staffing Update

Melissa Kelley, the large business program manager, has accepted the role of program director for the DTE program. Her email will remain the same, but she will focus on all matters DTE and looks forward to working with those of you who work with DTE too.

Mike Dokter will take over the large business program manager responsibilities, working closely with the rest of our phenomenal team to ensure immediate responsiveness.

Join us in congratulating both teammates as they expand their roles and responsibilities. This change is officially effective Feb. 27, 2023. 

Business Instant Discount

We understand your time is valuable. Purchasing through a participating Business Instant Discount distributor eliminates the application process and the rebate is applied right to the invoice!

If the distributor you purchase energy efficient products from is not enrolled in the program, let us know. We can assist them with signing up and getting you your instant discount.

The Program is seeking new Lighting, HVAC, Agriculture, and Food Service distributors. Email referrals to BusinessInstantDiscount@cmsenergy.com.

Click below to check out our full range of Business Instant Discount rebates:

Lighting • HVAC • Food Service • Agriculture

Small Business Energy Efficiency Program

• New Measure being added! Condenser Coil Cleaning. $100.00 per condenser coil cleaned, specifications to be announced when measure goes live on or before April 1!
  
  
• Attention new trade allies, the new Trade Ally bonus only applies within your first 12 months of Small Business Trade Ally status, be sure complete five projects to be eligible for your $2,500.00 bonus!
  
  
• For 2023, we increased the customer eligibility from 750,000kWh annual use per customer to 1,200,000kWh annual use per customer.  

Trainings

Trade Ally and Contractor Orientation Training- Wixom 2023

Wednesday, Mar. 3 | 9 a.m. - 11 a.m.

In-person at:

HOLIDAY INN EXPRESS WIXOM

48953 Alpha Dr., Wixom, MI 48393

Get an overview of the Consumers Energy Business Energy Efficiency Program and guidance through the whole process of filling out and submitting a project rebate application.

Who Are These Training Sessions For?

• New Trade Allies
• Any current Trade Ally who needs to meet their annual training requirement
• Any current Trade Allies or contractors with new staff members who have not previously taken the training

What Are the Details?

• Check-in at 8:45 a.m.
• The session goes from 9 a.m. to 11:00 a.m.
• Complimentary breakfast will be served

Trade Ally Energy Advisors