Frustrated organizations, both private sector and nonprofit, frequently call their lawyers.
"My freezer broke down and the building isn't in compliance with energy codes," they say. The chief executive officers and executive directors are desperate to find out where they can get the money to remedy these situations without getting into trouble. Probably they are thinking: I do not want to get into trouble yet I need financial help for the project.
Here is an informational interview with Elena Cahill, Certified Energy Manager (CEM), lawyer, and head of Globele Energy LLC, a boutique consulting firm which provides energy information, management, brokering of electricity and natural gas, and advice n how and why to create energy. Elena is also a columnist on Energy for Motley Fool.
*********************************
Exclusive Interview with Elena Cahill
JG: First of all, there is money available for energy efficient improvements, right?
EC: Yes, so much. The easiest and fastest way to access those funds is on the state level. That's the first place to approach for investigating quasi-state funds and those from the federal government as well as looking to the utilities that often administer the local funds collected by each ratepayer. Ironically in Connecticut each ratepayer pays into a fund that each can use yet they have no idea that they are paying into the fund or how to capture the dollars when they need them.
They assume they have to approach the federal government. Because that seems a formidable experience to them, they will drag their feet or not attempt it. If they do, by the time they have mustered the resolve to knock on the doors of the federal government, some of the best economics for them might have expired.
JG: You say "easy." Did I hear right?
EC: Yes. The best bet for the initial point of contact is the local utility which adminisers the fund the ratepayer is paying into. In my experience and that of my clients, the utility is user-friendly. On the state level, everything is simplified and user-friendly.
JG: How can lawyers and their clients find out more about what's available at the state level?
EC: There's a wonderful resource: DSIRE. Just go there and click on your specific state. What most of lawyers and their clients need to know is spelled out.
JG: Thanks, Elena.
***************************************************************
Readers can reach Elena Cahill at Elena@globeleenergy.Com, 203-799-8200.
Comments