Well it seems like Bob Dylan coined a phrase that will never go out of style. In our world of mechanical contracting, service and energy-services things are changing. Specifically the new “energy crisis” is causing a proliferation of new incentives from ARRA, REGGI, energy utilities and other govermental sources. There is so much funding from new sources the regulators are literally tripping over themselves trying to figure out new programs, federal reporting requirements and incentive award criteria. Most of this change is for the good and it certainly exciting to see the rate of change after decades of haggling of minuscule details. We are currently working on several proposals for customers seeking incentives and/or grants for implementation. These projects range from multi-million dollar heating plant conversions to biomass to geothermal heat pump systems to solar thermal systems. All good stuff except not everyone is going to get the funding they hope for when the music stops playing.
In our recent dealings with Efficiency Maine, I am very impressed with the work they have accomplished to revamp their programs and roll them out to the market in a relatively short timespan. Oh, did I mention that they are still working with a skeleton staff. Kudos to those hard working pros in a thankless job. Everybody wants the incentive and nobody will want to hear anything but ”yes”.
There is still tons to do to get these funds into the hands of consumers and get the technology implemented. I hope the public has the interest to remain aware of the desperate need to get weaned from foreign oil and imported energy. Stay tuned because “The Times They Are A-Changin”.
Dan