Home » Efficiency » Commercial Efficiency

Commercial Efficiency

Simple tips, useful links, and information on programs that can save your business money by being more energy efficient.

Humboldt County's commercial sectors (excluding timber and agricultural industries) use 41 percent of the total electricity consumption and 22 percent of the total natural gas consumption for the region. The costs for electricity and natural gas for this sector are approximately $52 million (electric) and $8.7 million (natural gas) respectively. According to recent studies, the Statewide potential for reducing electricity and natural gas consumption in this sector is between 18 and 22 percent. If Humboldt County could achieve this level of savings, they would save over $12 million per year in commercial energy costs alone, keeping these resources in the local community.

The first step to achieving a higher level of energy efficiency is education. The RCEA is committed to providing Humboldt County consumers the best and most relevant information and education in order to enable them to achieve the highest levels of energy efficiency possible. The RCEA conducts ongoing series of energy efficiency workshops, and helps consumers to participate in various energy efficiency programs. If you are interested in being notified of these workshops, please register for updates on our events schedule.

Simple No Cost Energy Efficiency Tips

While some energy efficiency measures necessitate upgrades that require an investment, a significant amount of energy can be saved just through simple no-cost changes. During the energy crisis of 2000-2001, the State (and Humboldt County), saw energy consumption drop in excess of 15 percent! Most of this was due to behavioral changes.

The RCEA recommends the following steps for commercial consumers looking to achieve greater energy efficiency:

  • Turn off appliances, lights and equipment when not in use. Unplug electronic devices and chargers when they aren't in use. Most new electronics use electricity even when switched "off." Turn computers and printers off at the power strip.
  • During the winter months, turn down your thermostat. Thermostats should be set no higher than 72°F when the building is occupied. During the summer, if you have air conditioning (not likely in Humboldt County), set your thermostat to 78 degrees when the building is occupied and 85 degrees or off when not occupied. Use ceiling or room fans to cool your building as they consume much less energy than an air conditioner does.
  • If you have a refrigerator, make sure the coils are cleaned regularly and check the gasket seals properly. Next to lighting, refrigeration is one of the heaviest consumers of electricity. An improperly maintained refrigerator consumes much more energy than is necessary for it to operate. The cooling coil is located in the back or underneath the refrigerator. Vacuum it clean at least once every year. Check the gasket (the soft plastic piece that seals the door to the body of the refrigerator) for gaps and improper fit. The door should close firmly against the gasket. If it doesn't, cold air will leak out of the refrigerator. You can check the tightness of the door by placing a piece of paper between the gasket and the door. Close the door and then pull out the piece of paper. You should feel a slight drag when you pull it out. If you don't (or the paper just falls out when you let go of it), the gasket may be worn and should be replaced.
  • Unplug or recycle extra refrigerators. Many of these older and secondary units use as much as 40% more energy than newer models.
  • Turn down the temperature on your hot water heater to the warm (120°F) setting. Also, install a water heater insulation blanket (they pay for themselves in a year or less!).
  • Avoid peak usage times. To help prevent electricity outages, avoid running appliances during peak hours, -- from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. -- or anytime an electricity emergency is declared.


See the following links for more ideas on how to reduce your energy bill:


Audits and Upgrades of Commercial Buildings

Once you have completed all the no-cost measures, consider these steps for achieving a higher level of energy efficiency for your business. Many of these actions will pay for themselves in a very short time through savings in energy costs!

Also, don't forget to check for rebates whenever you are considering energy efficiency improvements or purchases of equipment (call the RCEA at 1-800-931-RCEA for assistance with rebates).

  • Get an energy audit. Here are only a few places to start:
  • Have your building "Retro-commissioned." To "retro-commission" is to systematically optimize building systems so that they operate as efficiently and effectively as when they were designed, often eliminating the need for costly capital improvements. See A Practical Guide for Commissioning Existing Buildings, prepared by the Portland Energy Conservation, Inc. and Oakridge National Laboratory.
  • Install Energy Star® windows. If your windows are due for replacement, Energy Star(r) windows can make your building more comfortable year-round.
  • Replace lighting with efficient bulbs. Switch incandescent light bulbs that are used more than two hours per day with Energy Star® qualified compact fluorescent lamps (CFL). New CFLs consume less than one-fourth the energy of an equivalent incandescent bulb.
  • Weatherize your business. Weatherstrip, seal and caulk leaky doors and windows, and install foam gaskets behind outlet covers.
  • If you have a refrigerator and it is in need of replacement (or over 10 years old), buy an Energy Star® model. A typical, new 18.5 cubic feet top-mount freezer (without a through-the-door ice dispenser) can use between 30% and 40% less electricity than a 10-year-old unit.
  • Replace heater and air conditioner filters. Dirty filters restrict airflow and can cause the system to run longer, increasing energy use. Replace filters monthly for maximum benefit.
  • Install an Energy Star® programmable thermostat.
  • For warmer climates:
    •  Install window shading. Install awnings and solar window screens to shade your space from the sun. For additional future savings, use strategically planted trees, shrubs and vines to shade your building.
    • If your air conditioner is in need of replacement, be sure to buy an Energy Star® air conditioner.
    • Seal your ducts. Leaking ductwork accounts for 25% of cooling costs in an average building, so have your ducts tested and have any leaks or restrictions repaired by a qualified contractor.
  • Consider Designing New Buildings to LEED Standards and make sure to take advantage of PG&E's Savings By Design Program to ensure they are the most efficient possible.

Energy Efficiency Programs for Commercial Consumers

Several programs available to help you are summarized below. Many provide rebates or incentives to help offset the costs of energy efficiency equipment. RCEA has compiled a list of energy efficiency rebate programs with contacts and web links. Don't hesitate to call RCEA at 1-800-931-RCEA for assistance with any energy programs or rebates.

Existing Building Commissioning
Offered By: Quantum Consulting, Inc.
Identifies and implements changes in building operations and related hardware to reduce energy use.
Contact: info [at] quest-world [dot] comdrebello [at] qcworld [dot] com - (510) 540-7200

Non-Residential Retrofit Program (Standard Performance Contract)
Offered By: PG&E
Incentives for custom-designed energy savings retrofits of existing business facilities.

Building Operator Certification and Training
Offered By: PG&E
Certification program designed to educate building operators on every major operating system in their facilities with an emphasis on energy efficiency and building operations and maintenance.
Contact: Leisa Bertelsen, RCEA - (707) 269-1700

Savings By Design
Offered By: PG&E
Project-specific design assistance and incentives to building owners and design teams that exceed Title 24 requirements by 10% or more. Education, training, and design tools through the integrated Energy Design Resources program component.
Contact: Larry Waits - (530) 757-5233

Pacific Energy Center (PEC)
Offered By: Pacific Gas & Electric
Description of Program Information and education to local government regarding self sustaining energy efficiency partnerships.

Food Service Technology Center
Offered By: Pacific Gas & Electric
Provides non-residential customers with food service operations, with impartial, reliable, and useful information that stimulates the energy-efficient design and operation of commercial food service facilities.

Rebates, Incentives and Resources
Offered By: PG&E
Rebates program for retrofit with qualifying energy efficient electric or gas equipment.
Contact: PG&E Pgm Manager- Norman Stone

Flex Your Power also has incentives for specific measures.

Useful Links

For more information on commercial energy efficiency issues and rebates, see:

RCEA Calendar

Energy Tip:

Did you know the Redwood Coast Energy Authority has a lending tool library where you can check out a Watts Up meter for free?