The Missouri Department of Natural Resources (DNR) has recently made a new program available for Missouri public entities. It is the Energy Audit Reimbursement Program (EARP), which will pay a reimbursement, up to $20,000, for the cost for an energy audit completed by a qualified energy professional.
There are only a couple of steps to get this process going, which I have outlined below. We also suggest that you take a couple of preliminary steps to set yourself up to take the best advantage of this program.
First, speak with a qualified, energy professional that can complete an energy audit. Talk with them about what you would like to accomplish with this energy audit. From what we’ve seen some public entities want the information to help them reduce utility consumption, but others want to address their aging infrastructure and use energy saving to help pay for those improvements.
Once the goal, or goals, of the energy audit is defined, the next step is to select a firm to complete the audit. The program requires that you select an energy auditor and that you be under contract with them to complete the audit.
A good choice is an Energy Services Company (ESCO). ESCOs are already set up to help public entities take advantage of this program. Not only will they be able to complete the energy audit, they are in a good position to give you ideas on how to save money and will also help you create a plan to implement the improvements in a cost-effective way.
The last step is to finalize your application for the Energy Audit Reimbursement program and submit it to the Missouri Department of Natural Resources. Your selected ESCO partner can assist with submitting it to the DNR.
This DNR program was designed to provide reimbursement for around 50 public entities. So, the funds are limited. At the current rate we see schools and other public entities applying for this program, we believe funding will run out in the spring of 2023.
Contact me at rterry@navitas.us.com, I would love to discuss if this audit reimbursement program can be a value to your operation!
About the author – Ryan Terry is Navitas’ Vice President of Business Development. His background as a professional engineer and 19 years of experience in the energy industry help him bring a practical approach to developing strategies for public sector clients who want guidance in how to initiate an energy conservation program in their facilities. He can be reached at rterry@navitas.us.com.