WHY DOES THIS PROGRAM EXIST?
We are thankful for the people that noticed and acted to make energy efficiency a major part of the growth of Ohio. In cooperation with the state, the county governments, large insurance companies looking for safe and reliable investment and mostly the groups of individuals that have a focus to give back to Ohio in a lasting and powerful way for the future of energy.
AM I A GOOD CANDIDATE TO RECEIVE FUNDING FROM THE GUARANTEED CLEAN ENERGY INITIATIVE?
To qualify you must 1) spend $100,000 per year or more on utilities 2) have building square footage over 50,000 sq ft. 3) Be located in Ohio 4) Be current on your tax bill.
IF I HAVE A RELATIONSHIP WITH A VENDOR I REALLY TRUST, AM I ALLOWED TO CHOOSE MY OWN CONTRACTORS?
Yes, GCE provides best of breed contractors and products to offer alongside your existing relationships so you are in control of the selection process.
IS MY SAVINGS GUARANTEED THROUGH GUARANTEED CLEAN ENERGY?
Yes. Both the energy savings cash flow and 100% of project costs are guaranteed.
WILL GCE ASSIST WITH REBATES AND INCENTIVES?
GCE will ensure you receive applicable utility rebates and other available incentives in addition to the GCE funding. GCE and/or your vendors will help you manage the incentives process.
WHERE DOES THE MONEY COME FROM? IS THIS A FEDERAL OR STATE PROGRAM?
The GCE uses money from federal, state, and local authorities, including county port authorities, as well as other public and private funds to facilitate this initiative.
WHAT IS THE LIABILITY FOR TAKING ON CAPITAL THROUGH THE GCE?
The GCE requires no personal or business recourse, the energy project itself is the collateral.
HOW DOES THE GUARANTEED CLEAN ENERGY INITIATIVE MAKE MONEY?
Our administrative and management costs are covered through the financing of the project.
GCE SIMILARITIES WITH PACE?
GCE works seamlessly to integrate along with PACE. GCE can be used to shorten the time frames and restrictions within a PACE project, as well as open a new PACE district.
GCE SIMILARITIES WITH HB264?
GCE functions with many positive characteristics of HB264 for school systems, with two major advantages:
1) Schools get to choose their own vendors
2) Funding can be completed within 45 days. It is recommended that you meet with a GCE representative to identify the best use of GCE funding.
HOW DO SCHOOLS GET PROPERTY TAX?
Schools are already assessed property tax, however the bill is normally $0. When a school system utilizes the property assessment option through the GCE they will simply add to the balance of $0 the amount of the agreement.
WHAT IS THE ASSESSED VALUE? HOW IS IT DETERMINED?
Assessed value of commercial property will be based on a combination of the property tax value and the market value of the building. Each application will be reviewed and participants will be qualified during the process as to their specific funding eligibility.
WHAT ENERGY CONSERVATION MEASURES QUALIFY?
HVAC, Variable Speed Drives, Motors, Windows, LED lighting, Roofing, and Solar are just to name a few. The role of the GCE is to help Ohioans invest in energy savings and clean energy, so if your project can show a positive cash flow regardless of the measure, it will be considered.
CAN WE DO SOLAR?
Yes. Solar is strongly encouraged when the payback is cash flow positive. In most cases with solar, GCE will also recommend an energy conservation measure to go along with the generation of new clean energy.
CAN WE DO SEPARATE PROJECTS TOGETHER?
Yes many efficiency measures require different timelines and installation considerations to be coordinated alongside your normal operations. The GCE will work with you to facilitate the most efficient installation processes for your unique project.
WHERE IS THE MONEY DISTRIBUTED?
The cost for the projects is delivered directly to the vendors from the GCE.
CAN WE INVEST IN COMMERCIAL FACILITIES AND USE THE GCE TO UPGRADE THE FACILITY AND SELL IT?
Yes. This initiative is very useful for Hotels, REIT’s, and others that invest in making commercial property more valuable and clean in Ohio.
HOW ARE THE INTEREST RATES DETERMINED?
Rates are based on the energy savings measures, type of building, risk of the building being unoccupied, type of organization, and credit risk.
DOES THIS WORK IN MICHIGAN?
Buckeye fans will be pleased to know this program is for Ohio only.
ARE ONLY OHIO VENDORS ALLOWED?
One of the main focuses was not only to have the energy savings take place in Ohio, but that Ohio vendors and laborers grow and serve their own communities. This is a program for and by the people of Ohio.
HOW CAN I BE SURE THAT I AM GETTING THE RIGHT PRICE?
The GCE allows you to be in control of your vendors and your own bid process. In the event you want assistance, several top-tier vendors have been approved and will help identify and facilitate your projects.
HOW DO I GET SCHEDULED FOR A QUALIFYING VISIT FROM THE GCE?
Simply fill out the form and a local GCE approved administrator will call and schedule a meeting with you at your facility.
IT SOUNDS TOO GOOD TO BE TRUE?
This program is designed to invest in the long term success of energy efficiency, but the reality is that energy efficiency is already completely proven and very predictable. The GCE is a simple system for people to work together so everyone wins. If we didn't have the opportunity to serve large facilities, aligned with engineering, strategic systems, and capital it wouldn't work. This is a program that truly relies on the expertise of everyone working together to win.