CPS Energy partnered with Launch SA to speak to small business owners about taking advantage of energy efficiency rebates and submitting bids.
As a member of CPS Energy's Energy2Business (E2B) team, Benjamin Jung and his E2B teammates, knock on doors, host panels, and present to local business organizations about the value of saving electricity with energy efficiency rebates. CPS Energy offers rebates for commercial customers on lighting retrofits, refrigeration, HVACs, and other products.
"Don't count yourself out," said Benjamin. "CPS Energy has bidding opportunities available to small business owners, too."
Christina Hughes watched like a hawk, taking notes on the many ways CPS Energy can help her business. She's a florist and wants to adorn every corner of a room with blooms.
"I want to create atriums and giant flower arrangements like those in the Hotel Bellagio," said Christina. "I'm a business owner and I'm here trying to get all the information that I can to effectively run my business and serve San Antonio."
Christina Hughes meets Gilbert de Hoyos, owner of Barrio Barista Coffee, to learn more about his experience with CPS Energy.
According to E2B, on average, a business can see about 30% savings on a lighting retrofit. That's a return of $300 if a small business owner averages a $1,000 electric bill.
"These are dollars that can be put back into your enterprise!" Benjamin says enthusiastically.
For business owners who take advantage of the free energy audits and implement the recommended measures, the costs to install the energy efficiency measures can be recouped in about 18 months on average.
As part of the event, Benjamin invited Gilbert de Hoyos, owner of the popular Barrio Barista Coffee on the city's Westside, for a fireside chat to share how he benefited from CPS Energy's energy assessment audits. He has changed his AC system, added vestibules to preserve heating and cooling, and now seeks to add solar panels or EV charging stations.
"I'd like you to understand the opportunities and savings that are possible with an energy-efficient (business) location. Go to events like these workshops and meet people," Gilbert stressed to the crowd.
Benjamin Jung and Gilbert de Hoyos, owner of Barrio Barista Coffee, hold a lively discussion at the fireside chat.
Christina took Gilbert's advice and pulled him to the side to learn more about his experience with CPS Energy's E2B program.
"It's great to see what E2B can do for the city and energy efficiency," Christina said before leaving the event.
Want to learn more about how E2B can help your business?
Visit cpsenergy.com/e2b. You can also email e2b@cpsenergy.com or call 210-353-6322 to speak with a member of CPS Energy's E2B team.
by Milady Nazir
