Rebates for Energy Audits

Overview

Overview

The City and County of Denver is supporting large buildings subject to the Energize Denver performance policy. We will be investing in rebates for energy audits, to help building owners prepare their buildings to meet the energy targets. Our goal is to provide rebate support to as many large commercial and multifamily buildings as we can but the program is subject to available funds.

Apply for a rebate to help offset the cost of an ASHRAE Level 2 (or higher) energy audit. This program will cover some of the costs of an energy audit that satisfies energy audit minimum requirements. These requirements are outlined in the Energize Denver Technical Guidance for Buildings 25,000 sq. ft. and Larger. This funding applies to energy audits conducted on buildings that are:

• 25,000 sq. ft. and larger AND
• Subject to the Energize Denver Performance Policy

Program Eligibility 

You must also commit to: 

• Upload the audit via Denver’s Audit Template Tool. 
• Stack rebates according to Denver's rebate stacking rules.
• The program rules and process.
• The rebate terms and conditions.

Program Process

This section provides a step-by-step guide to help you prepare for and receive your rebate.

Before You Apply

Before you start your application, you should gather the documents that you will have to submit with your application to show eligibility and get you preapproved.

Your application will require the following documents to show eligibility and grant you preapproval:

• IRS W9 for the person or company claiming the rebate funds 
• If requested: Documentation demonstrating the square footage of the building 

We recommend that you gather these documents before you begin your application. This will ensure a smooth and timely review of your application materials. 

 Ready to Apply?

1. Double check that you have gathered all of the required documentation, listed above.
2. Complete the application with all requested information, and submit it through the application portal.
3. Michaels Energy, the program administrator, will review your application to verify your eligibility.
4. Once Michaels Energy verifies your eligibility, they will issue a Pre-Approval Letter indicating the rebates achieved. 
5. If you haven't already, complete your energy audit with your chosen vendor.
6. Upload the energy audit report to Denver’s Audit Template Tool, and submit the following documents to Michaels Energy:
   1. An invoice for the work
   2. A copy of the energy audit report
   3. A PDF print-out from the Audit Template Tool
7. The program administrator will review your documents and issue the Energy Audit Rebate via check to one of the following:
   1. The building owner 
   2. The tenant responsible for the audit
   3. The contractor, if the rebate has been signed over to them 

Program Rules 

• You must get preapproved for the rebate before we can reserve it for you.
• Retroactive rebates are available for energy audits completed on or after November 17, 2022 (based on the date of the site visit for the audit).
  • Energy audits conducted prior to November 17, 2022 are not eligible.
  • Rebate applications for energy audits conducted between November 17, 2022 and October 7, 2024 must be submitted by June 30, 2025.   
• Energy audits must meet the minimum requirements as outlined in the Energize Denver Technical Guidance.
• Each covered building is eligible for a maximum of one energy audit rebate.
  • You may choose a different type of audit based on what kind of information you are trying verify such as:
    • The building square footage
    • The payback calculations
    • The EUI impacts and energy savings calculations

• Energy Audit Rebates can be stacked with other rebates from Denver, Xcel Energy, the state, or the federal government
• You must inform the program administrator if you are receiving another rebate or tax credit from:
  • The state
  • The federal government
  • Xcel Energy
  • Another gas or electric utility
  • Another Denver agency
  • Any other entity

• Incentive offers are based on building square footage submitted at the time of application. 
• You may be asked to participate in interviews, surveys, focus groups and other engagements to provide feedback to the city and its representatives on the rebate program design, challenges faced, and suggestions for improvement. 
• You be be asked to provide Denver staff with data and information to create case studies based on the building project.
  • Any information that you do not want shared with the public shall be discussed with Denver staff prior to case study publication.
  • All applicable project information and documentation will be made publicly available on the city’s website and/or shared on the City’s social media channels, unless mutually agreed on between you and city staff
• Rebate amounts are subject to change and notification will be provided in advance for future program changes. The budget for audit rebates is limited and the program may close once funds are exhausted.