​Small improvements in industrial energy efficiency can make a big difference, and don't necessarily require large capital investments or sweep production changes. Small Industrial projects generate cost-effective, performance-enhancing energy savings in a wide range of industrial systems.  

Energy Smart Industrial (ESI) program's Small Industrial component offers a streamlined method for projects with a limited scope and well-defined analysis approach. Small Industrial projects provide a unique value to smaller industrial facilities, and leverage relationships with the region's Trade Allies who can identify opportunities, support tool-based savings estimations, and assist with project execution. These projects typically require less operational data and fewer measurement points, compared to standard industrial custom projects.

​Small Industrial projects are different from conventional custom projects in three key aspects:

• Technical Service Provider studies are typically not provided
• Trade Allies are often involved in the development and data collection
• The Energy Smart Industrial Partner (ESIP) will hand off the analysis and administrative tasks to the Small Industrial engineer, while still being involved with the project

To qualify, a Small Industrial project should have an estimated energy systems of less than 200,000 kWh, and address common equipment such as air compressors, pumps, or fans that use 10 – 50 percent more energy than necessary due to equipment age, suboptimal components, or inherently inefficient part-load controls. Incentives may be available to help cover the cost of replacing the equipment and controls with more efficient alternatives.

Small Industrial projects cover a wide range of equipment, including:

Compressed air   Fans  Welders  Variable Frequency Drives Check with your serving utility for information about available incentives.

Pumps  Refrigeration  Battery chargers  Controls  ​

Here are the steps a Small Industrial project goes through:

1. Confirm utility participation in BPA's ESI program. Contact your serving utility before getting started.
2. Estimate energy savings. A scoping-level analysis is performed by an ESIP or Trade Ally to estimate annual savings.
3. Estimate the incentive amount. Reimbursement levels vary by utility, and are generally the lesser of verified energy savings, multiplied by a performance incentive rate (¢/kWh) or a percentage of eligible cost. Contact your local utility for specific details. 
4. Secure finding approval. If required by the utility, a project proposal is prepared by an ESIP.
5. Order and install equipment. Replace old equipment with new equipment, and implement control strategies that will save energy.
6. Inspect and close out. The ESIP or Trade Ally that collected invoices to document project costs may also inspect the installation and collect data to verify operation assumptions for the affected equipment. The amount of the incentive paid may change from the initial estimate if energy savings or project costs differ from pre-project estimates.
7. Incentive is paid. An ESIP sends the closeout documentation for utility review and submittal, and BPA approval. If the project scope has changed or if the equipment operation differs from the initial proposal, energy savings and final reimbursement will be recalculated. Upon approval of the completion report, the utility will issue an incentive deck.

​Please contact your serving utility, ESIP, or BPA Energy Efficiency Representative for more information.