Government and Other Agencies
The North Carolina Energy Office promotes energy efficiency in public agencies through the Utility Savings Initiative. The technical assistance program supports the public, private and nonprofit sectors.
Utility Savings Initiative
The Utility Savings Initiative is North Carolina’s lead-by-example program supporting energy efficiency in public buildings. The program currently serves state agencies, the University of North Carolina System, the state's 56 community colleges, public schools and local governments. Performance contracting, a way to finance energy efficiency improvements, is available through the program. Performance contracting involves investment-grade energy audits along with designing and other major aspects of major energy-efficiency projects so the cost of the upgrades can be financed through the utility costs avoided. The N.C. Energy Office provides assistance and guidance for participants in the Utility Savings Initiative program through the entire process.
Energy Assurance Program
The Energy Assurance Program in the N.C. Energy Office works with other North Carolina state agencies, as well as the private sector, to develop effective responses to energy emergencies and to help ensure energy resources are available during adverse conditions. The program also shares information about the development and deployment of Smart Grid technologies.
Technical Assistance
The federally funded technical assistance program is available, without charge, to state agencies, UNC system institutions, community colleges, public schools and county and municipal governments as well as commercial, nonprofit and industrial entities. Assistance, including energy surveys and the development of strategic energy plans, is offered to promote sustainability, energy efficiency and conservation. In addition, grant recipients can receive help writing bid specifications, evaluating bid responses and measurement and verification services for federal Recovery Act projects.
For more information, contact the Energy Office at (800) 662-7131 (N.C. only) or (919) 733-2230.