Frequently Asked Questions
Who qualifies for the Electricity Retrofit Incentive Program (ERIP)?
Applicants must be Peterborough Distribution Inc. commercial customers, and may be owners or tenants of business premises supplied by Peterborough Distribution Inc. Please note that if you are a tenant, you must obtain permission from the property owner for installation of the measures for which an incentive is claimed.
Financial incentives will be available for pre-approved projects that result in measurable energy savings. These projects may be completed using energy efficient technologies set by the program or may be based on innovative custom initiatives.
How does the program generally work?
The program follows these basic steps:
- Assess your need for new electricity upgrades and retrofits.
- Look to a set of electricity savings based on those upgrades and decide on the areas or specific equipment where you are going to look for those savings.
- Access the ERIP information on Peterborough Distribution Inc. website. You will find the necessary worksheets and application forms to use for the program.
- Once you have completed the necessary application, submit the information to Peterborough Green-Up. You will be notified when the project is approved.
- Following approval you may proceed with the retrofit based on your timelines.
- Once installation and verification has been completed, the program will reimburse you a portion of the equipment costs based on the calculation of how much electricity efficiency is expected to be gained with the new upgrades.
How do I participate?
There are two ways to get started:
- Use the self-serve method by reviewing the program documentation and downloading the application and appropriate documents.
- Contact Peterborough Green-Up at 705-745-3238.
Why is PDI providing an incentive to their customers?
This program has been developed in cooperation with the Ontario Power Authority (OPA).
The OPA's mission is to ensure long-term reliable and sustainable supply of electricity for the Province. A major focus for the OPA is providing programs and initiatives that promote and encourage better conservation and demand management of electricity for all sectors across the province.
ERIP will be a catalyst to move forward commercial, industrial & institutional and agricultural projects that have been stalled for various reasons. Utility incentives bring new attention to projects and often assist in getting the commitment to proceed from customers.
Why are these particular technologies included in the prescriptive list?
The prescriptive list is based on well known technologies that are available in the market place with established electrical savings.
The project that I wish to undertake uses a simple straightforward technology. Can it be included under the prescriptive program?
The prescriptive program is limited at this time to a fixed number of technologies. The OPA will not be changing the qualifying technologies at this time but will review and update the qualifying list periodically to keep up with changing technologies.
What if I want to do a custom project?
All technology, equipment and systems are evaluated on the basis of their electrical demand reduction. The incentive offered of $250/kW is based specifically on the level of improvement.
Can I hire my own consultant to validate my proposal?
We encourage customers to consult with or obtain assistance from industry professionals to ensure that their design, proposals and installations best meet their needs. PDI will engage a consultant of its choice to review any applications or evaluate any completed projects as appropriate.
What if I don't realize any savings after investing all this money?
The qualifying technologies are tried and true with known performance parameters. There are many variables that could affect their performance and we suggest that you discuss these with your designers and installers.
Can I also apply for funding through other organizations?
Yes, we encourage customers to take advantage of all funding available. Please also note that all funding will be considered in determining the amount of your utility's incentive.
Complementary funding can be sought from the following agencies and programs
- CIPEC
- ecoEnergy Retrofit Incentive for Buildings
- Energy Retrofit Assistance (ERA) for Commercial and Institutional Buildings (ERA (P) for Retrofit Planning and ERA (3) and ERA (4) for Retrofit Projects)
- Energy Star Qualified Products
- Industrial Buildings Incentive Program (IBIP)
- Enbridge Gas programs
- Union Gas programs
How long will it take to process my application?
Our goal is to take no more then ten business days to approve applications.
Revised:2009-02-17| Revised by: Peterborough Utilities Group Login