City Encourages Businesses to Participate in Energy Evaluations
December 01, 2009 at 10:38 AM
As part of the City's environmental leadership, businesses with storefronts or offices will be required to participate in a free on-site energy evaluation of their facilities. The energy evaluation, which is performed by City staff in about 30 minutes, must be completed in the calendar year when a new license is issued or every four years for an existing business license. Businesses are encouraged but not required to perform any energy-savings retrofits or improvements identified through the on-site evaluation."The bottom-line is that this new ordinance will help businesses' bottom-line, assisting business owners in identifying energy and water cost savings. Every dollar of savings counts in our current economy." commented Chula Vista Civic Association business leaders. City of Chula Vista Department of Environment & Conservation Services communicated diligently with Chula Vista Civic Association leadership to formulate a business energy evaluation ordinance which is business friendly.
What are the benefits?
Chula Vista businesses will benefit in a variety of ways from the new requirement, including:
- FREE assistance identifying ways to reduce their monthly energy and water costs.
- FREE energy and water rebate assistance and 0% interest financing options.
- FREE compact flourescent light bulbs, "smart" power strips, or other devices.
- FREE training on ways to easily track their energy and water costs.
- Future notice regarding free services and rebates for their specific business.
- Improve their competitiveness by lowering monthly utility costs.
How does a business schedule an appointment?
Businesses are able to easily schedule an evaluation appointment by calling (619) 409-3893. If an existing business doesn't set an appointment by February 15th, the City will set an evaluation date and time for the business during their regular business hours. Newly-licensed businesses will have 45 days to schedule an appointment at a convenient date and time.
Coming in January 2010: Online Appointment Calendar
What happens if a business doesn't complete an on-site evaluation?
If a business does not complete an on-site evaluation throughout the calendar year after receiving multiple notices, they will be assessed a $__ fee which is collectable on the following year's business license and incurs a 6% interest rate per annum.
Which businesses are exempt from the requirement?
Home offices, mobile businesses, and other business entities that do not have a commercial utility gas or electric meter are exempt. New businesses occupying a facility that has participated in the City's FREE on-site energy evaluation (or similar program) in the last four years are also exempt. Contact the City at (619) 409-3893 for information on additional exemptions.
