Upgraded Lighting
Switching to LED lighting significantly reduces energy use while providing superior light quality and lifespan. Facilities that upgrade their lighting often see immediate cost savings on their energy bills.
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Running a business or nonprofit comes with constant challenges, but steep energy bills shouldn’t be one of them. The Mountain BizWorks Electrify Fund was designed to empower Western North Carolina commercial businesses and nonprofits to achieve energy efficiency while reaping major financial and environmental benefits.
Looking for energy efficiency financing? Let’s explore how the Electrify Fund can help businesses save on utility bills, reduce emissions, modernize infrastructure, and support the local clean energy economy. Discover which energy-efficient projects the fund supports, learn about the application process, and read examples of success.
If you’ve been searching for a cost-effective way to combat rising energy costs and lower your carbon footprint, keep reading—you just might find your perfect solution.
Why Energy Efficiency Matters
Energy efficiency goes far beyond reducing energy consumption. It’s a proven strategy for cutting costs, improving sustainability, and creating healthier, more comfortable spaces. Here are reasons why an energy efficiency program should be a priority for your organization.
Lower Operating Costs
Energy upgrades can significantly reduce energy bills over the long term. Improved HVAC systems, LED lighting retrofits, proper insulation, and upgraded water heaters can drastically reduce your organization’s energy needs. These cost savings free up funds for other initiatives that matter to your business or mission.
Increased Comfort
That chilly draft, flickering fluorescent bulb, or inefficient boiler isn’t just throwing money out the window; it’s also making you and your employees less comfortable. Energy efficient HVAC systems, air sealing, insulation, LED lighting, and other cost-saving investments will also make your working environment more pleasant, improving your quality of life and helping you be more productive.
Environmental Impact
Businesses and nonprofits have a critical role in reducing greenhouse gas emissions and mitigating climate change. Energy efficiency is one of the most effective ways to minimize environmental impact, decrease reliance on fossil fuels, and promote cleaner air and water. By adopting energy efficiency measures, your organization can also support broader sustainability goals in WNC.
What is Energy Efficiency Financing?
Energy efficiency financing refers to funding solutions specifically designed to support energy efficiency projects. These programs, such as Energy Efficiency Mortgages (EEM) for homeowners and Property Assessed Clean Energy (PACE) financing, allow people to implement upgrades with minimal upfront costs. The Electrify Fund takes attainability a step further by offering low-cost loans with monthly payments that can be covered by energy savings.
Why Use Financing?
For many smaller organizations, financing options like the Electrify Fund make energy efficiency improvements attainable. Instead of worrying about upfront costs and having to save up for years to afford the capital expenditures needed to save them money in the long term, borrowers can take a practical approach by leveraging future energy savings to repay their loan amounts. It’s a win-win for both financial ease and environmental impact.
Eligible Energy Efficient Building Projects
Curious about what kind of upgrades you can tackle with the Electrify Fund? Here’s a list of energy-efficient projects that qualify for support—and the many incentives and rebates they bring.
Energy-Efficient HVAC Systems
Heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) systems account for a significant portion of commercial buildings’ energy use. Replacing old HVAC systems with energy-efficient models reduces monthly payments and improves temperature control and air quality.
Water Heaters and Heat Pumps
High-efficiency water heaters and heat pumps are essential for reducing the cost of energy used to heat water and maintaining comfortable indoor temperatures.
Net-Zero Construction for New Builds
New construction facilities can be designed with net-zero energy standards to ensure sustainability from the ground up. These buildings use renewable energy and efficient designs to balance energy use and production and minimize operating costs.
Building Retrofits and Energy Management Systems
From enhanced insulation to advanced energy management systems, retrofitting existing multifamily or commercial buildings is an excellent way to reduce energy waste, improve efficiency, and control operational costs.
The Electrify Fund Application Process
The Electrify Fund is designed to be attainable to WNC businesses and nonprofits. It prioritizes underinvested communities historically with limited paths to clean energy opportunities. Here’s an outline of the straightforward application process.
What Makes the Fund Attainable?
The Electrify Fund offers some of the most affordable interest rates in the region, ensuring that more organizations can benefit from cleaner, greener energy.
The fund also offers more than just financial assistance. Organizations can receive technical support, energy assessments and audits, and implementation guidance to ensure the success of their projects.
Eligibility Requirements
To qualify for our loan program, your organization must be located in WNC and fall under the category of a business or nonprofit entity. Projects must align with energy efficiency or clean energy goals, and many require collaboration with a qualified energy professional (e.g., a solar installer or energy auditor).
Steps to Apply
01
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Confirm Eligibility
You must be a WNC-based business, nonprofit, or local government
02
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Project Planning
Work with energy professionals to create a detailed project plan that includes assessments and an energy audit.
03
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Document Submission
Gather all necessary documents, such as estimates and technical reports, to submit alongside your application.
04
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Loan Approval
After review and approval, your funds will be disbursed to support your energy efficiency upgrades.
Built on partnerships, the Electrify Fund connects businesses and nonprofits with industry professionals, government agencies, and clean energy advocates. These collaborations foster sustainable transformations that benefit the community and the environment.
Energize Your Future with the Electrify Fund
Investing in energy efficiency is more than a financial decision—it’s a step toward resilience, sustainability, and a healthier WNC. By reducing energy bills, lowering environmental impact, and creating cleaner, more comfortable spaces, the Electrify Fund sets your organization on the path to a brighter future.
Don’t wait to make a difference.
Don’t wait to make a difference.