Commercial buildings often have highly complex and unique systems and variable operations. Because of this high variability, many commercial energy efficiency measures are best approached as custom projects. Commercial custom projects encompass retrofit, expansion and new construction energy efficiency projects. This offering helps your customers acquire and install the most energy efficiency equipment available. Any measures not covered by the deemed measures are eligible to be submitted as custom projects if they meet the requirements. BPA provides reimbursements for verified energy savings. Reimbursements range from $0.025/kWh to $0.35, depending on measure life, up to 70% of incremental project cost.

Custom projects follow 5 basic steps:

1. Proposal development: The utility works with its customer to develop a custom project proposal (Custom Project calculator located in the EE Implementation Manual document library), including estimated energy savings, project cost, and measurement & verification (M&V) plan. The BPA customer service engineer may be available to provide technical advice in proposal development. 2. Proposal submittal: The utility submits the proposal to BPA for review and approval. 3. Project implementation: The utility works with its customer to complete the project. The order and purchase date of the equipment must be after BPA approval of the custom project proposal (see the EE Implementation Manual for detailed requirements). 4. Project close-out: The measurement & verification (M&V) are completed and the custom project completion report is prepared. The BPA customer service engineer may be available to provide technical advice during the project close-out. 5. Project completion: The utility submits the completion report (Custom Project calculator located in the EE Implementation Manual document library) to BPA for review and acceptance. Final reimbursement is based on the accepted completion report data. The EE Implementation Manual provides a robust section on Custom Project eligibility and process. In addition, BPA's customers may contact their Energy Efficiency Representative or customer service engineer to discuss custom project requirements and opportunities.

Custom Project Resources:

Implementation Manual Implementation Manual document library