New Benefits to Commercial Businesses

Inflation-Reduction-Act

New Benefits to Commercial Businesses

Inflation-Reduction-ActOn August 16th, President Biden signed The Inflation Reduction Act (“IRA” or the “Act”) which promises to fight the climate crisis, lower energy costs and create thousands of jobs for Americans. It includes financial and environmental benefits for commercial businesses, communities and households.

One of the goals of the IRA is to cut U.S greenhouse emissions by 40% by 2030. In order to meet this goal, the IRA provides financial incentives to commercial businesses and households for becoming more energy efficient and thereby lowering energy costs.

Some of the IRA financial benefits include:

SMALL BUSINESSES/MULTI-FAMILY HOUSING

  • Commercial building owners can receive a tax credit up to $5 per square foot to support energy efficiency improvements that deliver lower utility bills.
  • Tax credits covering 30% (up from 26%) of the costs of installing low-cost solar power.
  • Rebates covering 50-100% of the cost of installing new electric appliances, including super-efficient heat pumps and water heaters.
  • Rebates to make repairs and improvements in single-family and multi-family homes to increase energy efficiency.

RESILIENT COMMUNITIES

  • Tax credits covering 30% (up from 26%) of the costs of community solar projects—owned by local businesses that sign up families to save on their electric bills—with additional bonus credits of 20% for projects at affordable housing properties and 10% for projects in low-income communities.
  • Prioritization of emissions-reducing projects in disadvantaged communities.

ELECTRIC VEHICLES

  • The Act will make it easier and cheaper to purchase an electric vehicle, with upfront discounts up to $7,500 for new EVs and $4,000 for used EVs.

RURAL OPPORTUNITIES

  • Electric cooperatives will for the first time be eligible for direct-pay clean energy tax credits.
  • Investments for rural electric cooperatives to boost resiliency, reliability, and affordability, including through clean energy and energy efficiency upgrades.

Navigating the requirements for tax credits and rebates while staying within required building codes can be complicated and challenging. At ReWire, our job is to help business owners evaluate the financial benefits of energy improvements and develop an implementation plan that meets necessary corporate goals along with state and federal requirements.

Contact us today and let us help you save money and get started on your energy improvements.

Meet Milton Evans

Milton

Milton

Milton is a retired Scientist with over fifty years’ experience at General Electric and Tire Conversion Technology. His vast experience allows him to provide insights in Governance, Strategy, Operations and HR policies to ReWire. Milton is an inventor and expert in high performance polymers, including silicones, polyurethanes and polyimides and has more than 25 patents and inventions to his credit. He studied Organic Chemistry at the University of Pittsburgh, earned a Master’s degree in Chemistry from Tuskegee University and a BS in Chemistry from Shaw University.

Milton was fortunate to be trained and mentored by internationally known scientists and businessmen, including the late Dr. John (Jack) Welch of General Electric and the late entrepreneur Dr. Walter Robb. Those mentorships helped Milton advance his career within General Electric. As the Director of Strategic Planning for the General Electric Silicones Division, Milton was widely known for his skills in developing creative business strategies, introducing marketing concepts and products, such as Silmate Automotive Adhesive, Noncorrosive construction sealants and All Glass aquariums. He was later appointed by Jack Welch as the inaugural Manager of Technical Marketing at GE Silicones which allowed him to gain experience in international technical and business problem solving.

After his retirement, Milton utilized his significant business experience to establish several small businesses including a business to license high performance technology from NASA for marketing to the aerospace, aircraft and automotive industries. He also established a consulting business for technology businesses and helped several of his clients grow their businesses to multi-million-dollar organizations. Milton did re-enter the workforce for a period of time as President and CEO of Tire Conversion Technology, a thriving business which utilizes scrap tires to manufacture products for the transportation industry. Milton is also a deacon at Friendship Baptist Church and chairman of the board at Friendship Community Development Corporation.

Milton’s professional network, along with his active involvement in the community, allows him to develop and cultivate relationships for ReWire, which is paramount for the growing organization. When Milton is not working alongside his four sons, he loves to play scrabble and plays as much as possible.

ReWire Awarded Subcontract with SUNY Poly and NYSERDA on Project to Expand Energy-Related Training for Facility Operations

Man in davanced technology building energy training

ALBANY, NY – SUNY Polytechnic Institute’s (SUNY Poly) College of Nanoscale Science and Engineering (CNSE) announced that Michael Fancher, Director of SUNY Poly’s Advanced Manufacturing Performance (AMP) Center and the New York State Center for Advanced Technology in Nanomaterials and Nanoelectronics (CATN2), has received $397,000 from the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA). The purpose of the grant is to train on-site employees and to serve as a regional training hub for Building Operations & Maintenance (O&M) of mission-critical facilities that will utilize a “digital twin” of the Building Management System (BMS) and the Energy Monitoring System (EMS) that are used to operate the Zero Energy Nano (ZEN) smart building.

The ZEN building, completed in 2015 and located at the Albany NanoTech Complex, is a 356,000-square-foot facility that serves as a living laboratory for smart building technology innovation and workforce development in data science, facility operations, and clean energy technologies. ZEN Smart PATH is a multi-year project that will train more than 100 on-site and regional partner employees by utilizing multiple data science platforms tailored for the many exciting careers in facility operations.

Using a combination of training simulators, use cases, and data system platforms, ZEN Smart PATH will expand upon the previously announced Career Alignment Platform (CAP) that was developed with support from ReWire Group to organize career content by each facility system and provide access to the AMP Skillup America Learning Management System (LMS) to establish clear “career pathways” for equipment technicians and engineers. AMP Skillup America was co-developed in partnership with MetrixLearning to provide free access to commercially available online self-directed training content (e.g. Amatrol, Comptia, BIN 95, etc.) in the hardware and Supervisory Control & Data Acquisition (SCADA) architecture software systems.

Al Evans, one of the Managing Partners of the ReWire Group said, “NYSERDA’s ongoing financial support and SUNY Poly’s deep subject matter expertise are two major components in why New York leads the nation in high-tech skills development. As a proud partner to SUNY Poly and a NYSERDA-designated Clean Energy Training provider, ReWire looks forward to its supporting role in helping to lay the building blocks for our most important resource–our skilled people. As an NYS Certified Minority Business Enterprise (MBE), and a firm working at the intersection of energy, technology, and training, ReWire is uniquely qualified to help foster the development of skilled trades of all New Yorkers, ensuring we continue to develop the best and most diverse workforce in the US.”

For more information visit SUNY Polytechnic Institute. 

RISING ENERGY COSTS, ENERGY CHALLENGES?

ReWire Can help.

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RISING ENERGY COSTS, ENERGY CHALLENGES?

Learn More

ReWire Can help.

ReWire Energy Announces Major Energy Efficiency Project in Historic Little Falls

Stone-Mill

ReWire Energy, along with local dignitaries celebrated the company’s first major commercial energy retrofit project in the Mohawk Valley, completing an overhaul of energy consumption at the Stone Mill of Little Falls. The partnership between ReWire, a NYS-certified MWBE, and Rock City Development (RCD), the owners of the Stone Mill, was the culmination of more than two years of analysis.

The Stone Mill in Little Falls is an icon of the Mohawk Valley’s manufacturing legacy, built in 1839 on the banks of the Mohawk River in the historic City.

Today, the four-story, 38,000-square-foot building is a mixed-use facility with a hotel, offices, and dining. One of the bigger operational challenges of the large stone building was the consumption and cost of energy. ReWire’s team of experts undertook a thorough analysis of energy usage, heating, and solar supply among other metrics, to provide a comprehensive energy efficiency plan.

Stone-Mill

Mayor Mark Blask stated, “One of the good things about this job is getting to work alongside the leaders and innovators of Rock City Development. Martin, Dave, Neil, and their entire team. When I talk about their innovation, what I really mean is their willingness to take the next step.”

“Rock City Development thinks about what is good for Little Falls as part of their decision-making process. That’s really a healthy and necessary place to be,” he stated.

RCD Principal Dave Casullo said, “Working with ReWire was not just a pleasure – it made great business sense. With their help, the Stone Mill is one of the Mohawk Valley’s cleanest and greenest energy consumers and an even more attractive location for small and startup businesses.”

“When you have people like ReWire, who bring to the table something unique, and ultimately very valuable, it adds to the differentiated nature of Little Falls,” said Casullo.

He went on to talk about the history of the location, and the fact that it was ‘sacred ground’ where from the very early days, commerce in the area began. “Commerce was really important, and it started right here. During the Revolutionary War, a lot of the people who were significant in freeing our Country walked in this very place.”

As for the project, RCD worked in tandem with ReWire and implemented a set of strategic building solutions, including:

  • Identifying and quantifying Stone Mill energy consumption
  • Designing a Near Net Zero Energy solution that optimized operational needs
  • Identified and vetted partners offering technical and engineering tactics aligned with Near Net Zero Energy Solution
  • Conducted ASHRAE Level 1 Energy Audit
  • Managed deployment of building and operational improvements aligned with solutions.
  • Sited and installed 65kw of solar power
  • The planned installation of two EV charging stations.

The impact of this project is staggering, with a $222,000 investment leveraging a total energy consumption reduction of 85% for the Stone Mill. With more than $72,000 of grants and incentives, the efficiency and cost savings of the ReWire solution pays for itself in less than a year.

ReWire’s Ken Evans said, “Little Falls represents the best of New York’s past and future. This project is a perfect example of the impact of strategic energy efficiency investments led by ReWire. We hope this project serves as an example to other building owners, developers, and business leaders that energy efficiency building investments make sense not just for the environment, but also for the bottom line.”

For more information visit: My Little Falls

ReWire event announcing energy efficiency updates to Stone Mill garners media attention for significant results and benefits achieved

Stone-mill-2

Massive solar panels now cover the top of the Stone Mill Building in Little Falls. It was a huge investment in making the building energy-efficient, but the owners of the building didn’t stop there. They installed electronic controls for all the lighting, and HVAC, so that when people aren’t in the rooms the lights, heating, and air conditioning turn off. They’ve also added a charger for electric cars, making the inside and outside of the building a little greener. Neil Rosenbaum is the COO of Rock City Development, the owner of the building.

“Little Falls has a great footprint. We have a hydro station just ½ a mile up the river. There’s an immense wind-powered project just on the other side of town, and we put a 2.8 megawatt solar farm that provides energy for about 300 families up on some property we own on top of the hill.”

Establishing a lower carbon footprint was one of the primary objectives, and it’s only fitting for a building that started with low emissions. Ken Evans works in Financial Strategy and Business Development for the Rewire Energy Group.

“This building was built in 1839 and started out being powered with hydroelectricity, and then it came full circle to now being powered by solar power.”

The overall cost came in at $220 thousand, but Neil Rosenbaum says there’s plenty of help for those looking to make this kind of investment.

“You have the USDA we got a grant from, NYSERDA, National Grid, I mean there’s just you know everybody’s helping, particularly with the car charger.”

This was a sizeable investment, but the owners should see an immediate change in the electric meter. Energy costs will be reduced by about 85% and those savings add up.

“Over the long-term for us, it’s about a 15% return on our net investment.”

This kind of project might not be suited for every building, but Ken Evans believes it may be worth looking into.

“The payback on a project like this is very, very short. I’d say less than…you know between 3 and 5 years, which is terrific, but again it depends on how it’s financed.”

For more information visit: WKTV News – Utica

The Value of Net Zero

Net zero

Net Zero Energy (NZE) means a building will only consume as much energy as it can produce itself. To do this, the structure must combine energy efficiency along with renewable energy generation, such as geothermal, solar, wind or other offsite options so that the net amount of energy used is zero.

Net zero

An NZE building reduces reliance on non-renewable energy sources and can achieve Net Zero status initially through high levels of energy efficiency and conservation measures. In order to achieve that Net Zero status, onsite renewable power generation must be included. We are seeing a shift towards NZE in building codes and regulations, but also the availability of tax credits and other economic incentives that accrue to developers and builders who build an NZE building.

Since buildings account for 40% of greenhouse gases (GHG), a significant effort is needed to reduce GHG in buildings for health and safety reasons. Plus, NYS has a goal of meeting 70% renewable energy and an 85% reduction in GHG by 2050. The value of zero economically amounts to a 30-50% energy and cost reduction savings over the course of a building’s life. In a word, the value of zero is huge!

Several studies have found the incremental cost of NZE buildings to be in the range of 0-15% more than conventional construction costs. This incremental cost is for design and construction only and does not consider the life-cycle cost savings of lower energy costs to operate (energy, maintenance, insurance, etc) the building over time. But why pay more to develop a Net Zero building? The cost of moving towards NZE may be more but the financial benefits make it worthwhile, consider:

  • Savings between 20-50%
  • Payback between 5-10 years
  • IRR between – 10-25%

The financial savings are certainly not the only benefit. Other benefits are:

  • Workforce: Today’s workforce wants employers that care about their health, comfort and environment. Studies show the majority of younger workers are very concerned about climate change and the environment. Low energy and solar powered buildings appeal to this audience of innovative workers.
  • Resiliency & Safety: Green buildings with passive heating, cooling and ventilation have the capacity to tap into renewables that are more resilient and safer to occupants when there are power outages and extreme weather events. They heat up and cool down much slower than average building. For this, and other reasons, some insurance companies offer discounted liability insurance or green insurance for buildings that meet the criteria.
  • Public Relations/Marketing: Green buildings often garner attention from the press. Developers spend a significant amount to advertise a new building in order to generate interest in the building and lease it more quickly. Developers who have developed green buildings are at a competitive advantage because they often are able to get significant local real estate press at little to no cost.

Buildings are not created equal so it might be more or less difficult to achieve NZE depending on the function, size and condition of the building. But that’s where ReWire fits in. We can evaluate your new or existing building and provide you with strategic recommendations that will get you to your goal.

Contact us to see how you can realize the benefits of net zero for your buildings and across your portfolio.

The ReWire Difference

ReWire Energy, founded by the Evans family in 2015, is a New York State Certified Minority Business Enterprise (MBE) and a NYSERDA designated Clean Energy Training firm which specializes in energy advisory services. Each of our founders come from unique professional backgrounds in various markets and industrial sectors, such as power generation, which allows us to leverage years of deep market experience to provide customized solutions for our customers. We primarily focus on helping state and local municipalities, commercial and industrial businesses and advanced manufacturing firms throughout New York and the Mid-Atlantic Region.

Our holistic approach is unique. We start by performing a comprehensive energy analysis on our customers new or existing structure by using utility bills, energy data and building design schemes. After we review the analysis together and the scope of work is determined, we will bring in and manage a team of partners to bring the project to completion.  As our customer, you work directly with us as your one point of contact for the duration of the project.

Our energy solutions provide long-term cost savings as a result of increased energy efficiency. Plus, by adding renewable energy into our solution, our customers save even more dollars and contribute to the fight against climate change.

So, what’s the ReWire difference? The ability to work with a trusted partner who will save your organization time and money and help you become a leader in the fight against climate change.  In addition, all NYS agencies who partner with us receive credit towards their minority participation targets. We’re passionate about what we do and would welcome the opportunity to review how your building can become more energy efficient!

For more information about ReWire Energy, or inquiries about working with us, please contact us at sa***@re**********.com .

ReWire Highlighted in Focus on New York’s Green Energy Push

Evans partners in ReWire Energy

Kenneth and Alan Evans see opportunity for their Saratoga Springs company, ReWire Energy, to capitalize on the federal and New York state focus on renewable energy in 2021 with their energy-as-a-service business model.

The Evans brothers started ReWire Energy in 2015 along with several of their siblings and their father, Milton. The company began with a focus on planning and analysis, figuring out ways to lower clients’ energy bills while bringing in new technologies like solar, smart thermostats, and other net-zero energy technologies. The family all have experience with large corporations and several have started their own businesses.

See more on the Albany Business Review

REWIRE ENERGY ANNOUNCES MONTHLY ENERGY HOUR FOR NONPROFITS – PROGRAM EXPANDS COMMUNITY SOLAR WHILE SUPPORTING FUNDRAISING

Call LLS

Program Offers Access to Renewable Energy Across the Region While Supplementing Revenue Stream for Vital Local Community Organizations

Saratoga Springs, NY – ReWire Energy today announces a monthly program to support non-traditional fund raising to support nonprofits. This unique fundraising approach has nonprofit supporters sign up for Community Solar, while providing added financial incentives to the nonprofit. This month features, Cal VandeVeer and the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society (LLS) Student of the Year Campaign.

ReWire, a family owned minority business enterprise based in downtown Saratoga Springs, will offer subscriptions to the popular and flexible renewable energy program – Community Solar. This new offering comes in addition to the in-depth strategic energy consulting services offered by ReWire to commercial real estate developers, nonprofits, and government agencies.

ReWire is offering Community Solar subscriptions for all types of utility customers that are initiated through a simple process that enables the utility customers to share in a local solar farm.

The added benefit of this new program is a customized outreach and education session for supporters of the participating nonprofits. Supporters are informed of both the economic and environmental benefits of community solar. Also, supporters that signup with PROMO CODE ‘CAL’ will drive $50 to the nonprofit for each new signup.

The entire subscription process is simple and takes less than 5 minutes. Interested customers can visit rewireenergy.com to subscribe. Community Solar subscribers do not need to install any new equipment at their location, there is no cost to subscribe and can be canceled with 90-day notice.

The next ReWire Energy Hour networking community engagement features Cal VandeVeer LLS Student of the Year Campaign and is open to the public. It will be held on February 27 from 5:00-7:30 pm at the River Street Market, located at 433 River Street in Troy, NY.

LLS Quote

Lee Evans, President of ReWire Energy said, “ReWire is a dedicated member of the Capital Region community and part of our company’s mission is to help make our community stronger. The chance to further enable solar power usage while providing more resources to the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society is a great way for us to do more while doing good. This is a no-brainer and a win-win for our community and customers.”

This new program launched just recently and will be adding new nonprofit organizations regularly.

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About ReWire
ReWire Energy is part of the ReWire Group, LLC, a family-led and NY certified minority business enterprise focused on delivering Zero Energy solutions for real estate, municipal, commercial and institutional customers through a combination of energy and financial modeling, process automation software and new technology deployment. Based in Saratoga Springs, NY, ReWire is developing opportunities for clients throughout the region by redefining the Value of Zero. Learn more at ReWireEnergy.com.

About Cal VanderVeer SOY for LLS
Calvin VanderVeer is a Junior at Shenendehowa and is leading Team CUREage in the Student of the Year Campaign for the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society. It is a 7-week campaign in which students from NY and Vermont are competing to raise the most amount of money for the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society.
It begins 1/24/20 and ends 3/13/20.

Media Contact:
Timothy Dunn
Dunn Strategy Group
518.380.1765


td***@du**********.com