EVANSVILLE, Ind. – CenterPoint Energy announced a new initiative aimed at lowering operating costs for local businesses while advancing the utility’s broader goal of keeping energy affordable across southwestern Indiana.
How the Buildings Financial Rewards Program works
The utility’s Buildings Financial Rewards Program (BFRP) will provide eligible electric and natural‑gas customers with payments that offset the expense of qualifying energy‑efficiency improvements. Eligible participants include owners of commercial, industrial and government buildings as well as separately metered commercial tenants.
Upgrades that qualify for the program include:
- Improved building insulation
- LED lighting retrofits
- High‑efficiency heating, ventilation and air‑conditioning (HVAC) systems
- Smart thermostats and other advanced control technologies
CenterPoint Energy says the payments will be calculated based on the projected energy savings from each upgrade, helping participants recoup a portion of their investment over time.
Why the program matters for Hoosier businesses
“Every dollar matters for our local businesses, and we want to help our job creators save energy and lower costs,” said Muss Akram, vice president of utility strategy at CenterPoint Energy. “Our new Buildings Financial Rewards Program will help Hoosier businesses improve their energy efficiency and reduce their energy bills, while building on our broader efforts to make energy more affordable for customers across southwestern Indiana.”
By encouraging upgrades that reduce electricity and natural‑gas consumption, the program supports both the bottom line of businesses and the region’s overall energy sustainability goals. Lower demand can also ease strain on the grid during peak periods, contributing to a more reliable power supply for all customers.
Eligibility and application process
To qualify, businesses must be current CenterPoint Energy electric or natural‑gas customers and must submit documentation of the proposed upgrades, including cost estimates and expected energy savings. CenterPoint Energy will review each application and determine the appropriate payment amount based on the projected reduction in energy use.
Applications are accepted on a rolling basis, and the utility encourages interested parties to contact their local CenterPoint Energy representative for guidance on the submission requirements.
Local impact and future outlook
The program aligns with recent statewide efforts to promote energy efficiency and reduce operating costs for businesses. By offering direct financial incentives, CenterPoint Energy hopes to accelerate the adoption of modern, energy‑saving technologies throughout the Evansville area.
Local business leaders have expressed optimism that the program will make it easier for smaller firms to invest in upgrades that might otherwise be cost‑prohibitive. “We’ve been looking for ways to cut our utility bills without sacrificing comfort or productivity,” said a spokesperson for a downtown manufacturing company. “This program gives us a clear path to do that while also supporting the community’s broader goal of affordable energy.”
CenterPoint Energy plans to monitor the program’s results and consider expanding the incentive structure if demand proves strong. The utility emphasizes that the BFRP is part of a larger strategy to keep energy prices stable for residential and commercial customers alike.
Original reporting: 14 News WFIE Evansville (news) — read the source article.
