Summary of Energy Service Companies - Summary of Responses
Publication Number: CEC-400-2005-001
January 2005
(25 pages, 441 kilobytes)

Description:

In June 2004, the California Energy Commission conducted a survey of the Energy Services Companies doing business in California. As ESCOs are an important participant in Energy Commission programs, the purposes of the survey are to identify:

• the ESCOs serving California
• the services ESCOs provide
• the services most often requested by customers
• the ESCOsÕ opinion of the investor-owned utilityÕs Standard Performance Contracting (SPC) Program
• the services the Energy Commission can provide to help ESCOs

Based on the responses, the Energy Commission will update its list of ESCOs serving California customers.

How to Finance Public Sector Energy Efficiency Projects
Publication Number: 400-00-001A
January 2000
(60 pages, 512 kilobytes)

Description: Many organizations see the lack of funds as a major barrier to energy efficiency projects. Our research indicates that there are many project funding sources. In many cases, the funding can be structured so that the projects can be repaid from energy savings, negating the need for up-front capital and eliminating lack of capital as a project barrier.

This guide addresses the special needs of public sector agencies such as city and county governments, public school districts, hospitals, and special districts, such as water and wastewater treatment districts. It discusses the criteria for evaluating the cost-effectiveness of energy efficiency projects, the various financing options, and financing programs specific to public sector agencies.

Energy Accounting:
A Key Tool in Managing Energy Costs
Publication Number: 400-00-001B
January 2000
(36 pages, 304 kilobytes)

Description: Energy accounting is a system to record, analyze and report energy consumption and cost on a regular basis. Just as financial accounting is used for the effective management of an organization, energy accounting is critical to energy management. It can be one of the most cost-effective tools school districts, cities, counties, colleges and other organizations can use to cut energy costs.

This guide will discuss some of the reasons for energy accounting, go into background information needed to understand it, and explain how to get started with a program. With emphasis on computer software, this document will discuss some of the methods and means of energy accounting, focusing in on energy accounting software packages. The appendix reviews and provides information on five of the most popular, commercially available energy accounting software packages.

How to Hire An Energy Auditor
to Identify Energy Efficiency Projects
Publication Number: 400-00-001C
January 2000
(68 pages, 368 kilobytes)

Description: An energy audit, also called a feasibility study or technical assistance report, is typically needed to identify technically viable and cost effective energy projects that will reduce energy use and operating costs in your facility. Those preparing the audit will evaluate your energy-using equipment and identify ways to enhance its operating efficiency. In the process, they should also resolve occupant comfort problems and decrease your facility's maintenance costs. If you need an energy audit, you must determine who will complete it. Will it be done by your in-house staff, an energy consultant or an Energy Services Company?

This document is primarily directed to those planning to hire an energy consultant or energy auditor. Even if you decide not to hire one, however, the information it provides can help you to insure a successful, cost-effective audit.

How to Hire An Energy Services Company
Publication Number: 400-00-001D
January 2000
(112 pages, 1.2 megabytes)

Description: Hiring an Energy Services Company (ESCO) is one way to identify and implement energy efficiency projects in your facility. Rather than hiring multiple consultants, an Energy Services Company can provide experienced personnel to handle all aspects. They can also provide or obtain project financing, operate and maintain the energy equipment and guarantee the energy savings and performance of the equipment. If your organization knows what services are needed but lacks staff time or experience, hiring an Energy Services Company could provide the expertise needed to complete your project.

This guide provides information on Energy Services Companies and their services. It will help you decide whether you need an ESCO and how to select the best one for your facility. This section concludes with a checklist on what you can do to ensure a successful working relationship with your ESCO.

How to Hire a Construction Manager
For Your Energy Efficiency Projects
Publication Number: 400-00-001E
May 2000
(78 pages, 617 kilobytes)

Description: Once you have determined which energy efficiency measures will be implemented and you have secured financing, the next step is to decide how to install your improvements. Will you use in-house staff or hire an outside Construction Manager to oversee the project?

This handbook will help to determine if you need a Construction Manager. The decision should be addressed before preparing the energy audit to ensure that the costs for a manager's services are included in the budget. If you are considering using an Energy Services Company (ESCO), you may also find this document useful. ESCOs typically serve as Construction Managers.

WHAT YOU SHOULD KNOW: Buying Electricity and Natural Gas in Today's Restructured Markets
Publication Number: 400-00-001F
September 2000
(120 pages, 810 kilobytes)

Description: Knowing how to negotiate the best price for natural gas and electricity costs can save you or your company big bucks in the long run. This handbook walks you through the choices you make in your procurement process. Information in this publication regarding choosing an electricity supplier was written before the suspension of direct access in September 2001 by the California Public Utilities Commission.