Washington Water Power Company Introduces Trade Ally Program for Commercial and Industrial Customers

The Washington Water Power Company (WWP) has introduced a comprehensive demand-side management program to help its commercial and industrial customers overcome financial and technical barriers to implementing energy conservation measures. The Trade Ally program includes funding for project studies, low-cost financing, and technical design assistance to encourage more energy efficiency projects. WWP's trade allies, which include regional contractors, engineering firms, and equipment manufacturers, can provide low-fee and low-interest rate financing on projects up to $100,000 from local participating banks.

Key Takeaways:

• The Trade Ally program provides funding for initial energy savings studies up to $1,500 directly from WWP, as well as technical design assistance and third-party verification of potential energy savings through WWP.
• The program offers low-fee and low-interest rate financing on projects up to $100,000 from local, participating banks.
• To qualify for the Trade Ally program, projects must demonstrate an annual energy savings of greater than 2,000 kWh for electrical projects, 250 therms for gas projects, and show a simple payback of 10 years or less for the total cost of the project.
• Typical Trade Ally efficiency improvement projects include lighting, heating and air conditioning systems, motors, refrigeration, building envelope (insulation or windows), and electric to natural gas conversions.
• Financing for Trade Ally participants is being provided through commitments from the Greater Spokane Business Development Association, the Idaho Department of Water Resources, the United States Small Business Administration, and a number of banks throughout the region.
• The Trade Ally program is available to both Washington and Idaho WWP customers, with loan arrangement specifics differing between states.

Statistics:

• Funding for initial energy savings studies is up to $1,500 directly from WWP.
• Projects must demonstrate an annual energy savings of greater than 2,000 kWh for electrical projects.
• Gas projects must demonstrate an annual energy savings of greater than 250 therms.
• Projects must show a simple payback of 10 years or less for the total cost of the project.
• Typical Trade Ally efficiency improvement projects are implemented on commercial and industrial properties in Washington and Idaho.
• Financing for Trade Ally participants is being provided through commitments from local banks and regional associations.

Sources:

• PRNewswire, "Washington Water Power Company Introduces Trade Ally Program for Commercial and Industrial Customers"
• Washington Water Power Company (NYSE: WWP)
• Greater Spokane Business Development Association
• Idaho Department of Water Resources
• United States Small Business Administration