In early 2024, a cannabis cultivator engaged Seinergy to advocate for efficiency funding for a 441 light LED new build. Over a year later, and after extensive negotiations, the grower received $23k more than the utility’s initial incentive offer. The ongoing engineering and advocacy ultimately paid off.
The Initial Offer
The initial incentive was lower than expected. So Seinergy dug into the inputs to find out why. Energy savings – and incentives – are determined by comparing energy outputs to relative inputs or productivity. In this case, the engineer used a one-to-one fixture comparison instead of a PPFD-equivalent analysis. They also modeled HPS dimming as effective as LEDs. Furthermore, assumed fixture costs, downtime between plant cycles, lighting schedules, temperature and humidity inputs further reduced the predicted energy savings.
How to Engage Engineers
Seinergy highlighted evidence-based savings. The merits of a PPFD methodology were described, while challenging baseline dimming and downtime assumptions. The engineers were open to alternative calculations, if actual data supported it.
To verify savings, the utility wanted to install data loggers when the facility was complete, testing the theoretical modeling with measured performance. Seinergy advised the customer to proceed with the lower-than-expected incentive, confident that the data would support a higher incentive in the end.
The Results
As predicted, the facility’s measured data confirmed savings beyond the utility’s original calculations. The project secured 57,637 additional kWh and $23,000 more than the initial offer—an increase exceeding Seinergy’s professional fees.
Many equipment vendors and cultivators wouldn’t question the assumptions behind a rebate offer. As industry insiders, Seinergy understands how utilities pay for defensible and well-documented savings. It’s worth it to work with a motivated energy advisor who sticks with the project until the final payout – sometimes 1.5 years later.
Questions about energy use in your facility? Get a custom facility assessment or email rebates at seinergy dot com. Happy growing!
