This edition contains the following updates: Revised Project Cost Rule, Active Budget Meters, Missed 2022 Application Expires June 1, Project of the Year Winners, 2023 Michigan Energy Summit, Last Call to Remain a Trade Ally, Selling Energy’s Virtual Selling Program, Early Completion Bonus, 2023 Bonuses At-A-Glance, Chiller Tune-Up Campaign, Business Instant Discount, Small Business Program, ILC Going PRO Talent Fund Application and Upcoming Trainings.
Reminder: 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 50% of the active electric savings goal and 30% of thenatural gas savings goal. Solid numbers heading into spring. Get your pre-application in today!
Missed 2022 Application Bonus Expires June 1
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
The completed final application and signed opt-in form has to be submitted to the PO Box no later than by 11:59 PM May 31, 2023 to qualify.
See your Energy Advisor for more details
Project of the Year Award Winners
On March 15, 2023, MEECA hosted the Project of the Year Awards Ceremony. The evening started off with an enlightening keynote session with Rep. Jenn Hill, who serves on the Michigan House Committee on Energy, Communications and Technology.
There were hundreds of nominations from across the state and several of the winners are involved in the Consumers Energy Business Energy Efficiency Program. Congratulations are in order for:
Commercial/Industrial Project of the Year- Arauco Grayling Productivity Improvements. Prime Contractor: Development Solutions Midwest.
Commercial/Industrial Contractor of the Year- TMI Compressed Air Systems, Inc.
Commercial/Industrial Program Manager of the Year- Jessica Strong, DNV/Consumers Energy.
Utility of the Year- Consumers Energy, Jill Rolstone and Rudy Chahine
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!
You should have received an email in early March requesting you update your company information and indicate you want to remain a Trade Ally in 2023. If you haven't done so already, please complete the information at this link: Consumers Energy Trade Ally Application.
This simple step will retain your company listing on our website and allows you to to continue to accumulate Trade Ally rewards points!
In order to clean up our database and keep only official Trade Allies on the website, all non-respondents will be removed in April. Don't worry, all subscribers will continue to receive this newsletter!
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. Plus, attendees who complete the entire course (in-person training, six video trainings and personalized Mark Jewell training) will be eligible for 20,000Trade Ally Rewards points.
More details and registration information will be included in a future correspondence as they become available. Mark your calendars!
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 four active bonuses, click the chart below to see in detail or speak with your Energy Advisor.
Chiller Tune-Up Reminder Campaign
The Consumers Energy marketing team launched a reminder campaign for businesses to get their chiller tune-up rebates. An email (to 695 customers) and direct mail (to 471 customers) went out in March to manufacturing, university, and healthcare customers who have not had a tune-up since 2021. The messages focus on earning rebates up to $7,500 and creating better work and learning environments.
Connect with your energy advisor for more information and while we can’t share customer information, the energy advisor does have the customer list and will make introductions.
Business Instant Discount
We offer more than just lighting rebates! Is your customer upgrading to a more energy efficient commercial kitchen? See our Food Service brochure for rebate details. Replacing HVAC equipment? We can help! We have a variety of rebates available with no application required. Check out our most popular measures.
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:
Refrigeration Training coming soon, stayed tuned for the date. Our complimentary refrigeration training will be focused on refrigeration measures that will help increase your sales. Topics of discussion include:
Selling refrigeration measures to increase your sales.
How EC motors and controls function.
Ease of installing EC motors and controls.
Refrigeration measures such as anti-sweat heater controls, strip curtains and night covers, and how they work together for further savings and maximize your earning potential.
Reminder – your incentive payments can be sent to you via EFT, please reach out to your energy advisor and stop waiting to receive your incentive checks in the mail.
Database refreshers are always available to you and your staff, reach out to Mike Olsen, Mike.Olsen1@cmsenergy.com, to schedule.
ILC Going PRO Talent Fund Application is Open
The Going PRO Talent Fund awards funds to employers for training, developing and retaining current and newly hired employees.
An ILC brings together two or more employers, education and training institutions, workforce development organizations and other applicable partners to formulate training and education solutions to fill identified talent gaps. Successful ILCs solve a common or shared workforce problem.
Leverage the power of collaboration to increase your competitiveness while creating, training and filling in-demand jobs.
