A Nicor Gas program spurs adoption of energy efficiency technology
Ozone laundry systems and high-efficiency heating rooftop units are just two examples of emerging technologies vetted through Nicor Gas’ Emerging Technology Program and offered as new rebates through energySMART, the utility’s energy efficiency program.
The Emerging Technology Program began in 2012, one year after the state law changed, allowing up to 3 percent of the utility’s budget to go toward the demonstration of breakthrough equipment and devices.
“I knew right away that a key focus must be developing innovation and new technology to drive energy efficiency programs forward,” James Jerozal, director of energy efficiency for Nicor Gas, told American Gas.
The utility looked at similar programs and created its own version based on established best practices and customized for Nicor Gas customer needs, he said.
The Emerging Technology Program focuses on technologies that are new to the market or have not yet achieved broad market acceptance. It is open to any new product or practice that has the potential to realize gas savings for Nicor Gas customers. The product can be for residential, commercial or industrial applications.
“We wanted to have the ability to bring in ideas rapidly, evaluate and move them through the piloting process quickly, so we designed a web-based portal and a ‘ready, set, go’ process that tests for market viability, cost-effectiveness and potential savings, and gives immediate feedback,” Jerozal said.
Since the program began, Nicor Gas has received 100 technology applications from manufacturers, sales representatives and contractors; conducted 28 pilot projects in residential, commercial and industrial markets; and launched eight new rebates.
Using the commercial ozone laundry rebate, customers have invested in ozone laundry systems that reduce hot water usage, receiving more than $478,000 in rebates and saving more than 331,000 therms, the utility reports. Another successful field test identified a dryer moisture sensor retrofit for commercial gas dryers that saves energy by determining when clothes are dry and automatically terminating the drying cycle.
In its ongoing effort to propel technologies forward, Nicor Gas is currently working with the Midwest Energy Efficiency Alliance to launch a Midwest market transformation coalition, aimed at identifying and addressing market barriers, Jerozal said.