Duke awards $95,000 in Smart $aver program rebates to DePauw University

As a reward for energy efficiency steps the university has taken in recent years, Warren Witesell and Chris Hoffa of DePauw University accept $95,318.56 in Duke Energy Smart $aver incentives and rebates from Duke Energy Indiana Vice President of Community Relations Marvin Blade and Account Associate Jessie Jackman.

Banner Graphic/JARED JERNAGAN

It’s not unusual for schools, universities and large industrial customers to spend thousands of dollars each month on their electric bill. But many of those customers have successfully reduced their costs through Duke Energy’s “Smart $aver” rebate and incentive program.

DePauw University was recently awarded more than $95,000 in incentives and rebates from Duke Energy for installing measures that mostly include energy efficient lighting and room occupancy sensors.

“DePauw is thrilled to be receiving this incentive award from Duke Energy,” Chris D. Hoffa, director of DePauw’s facility operations, said. “This incentive substantially offsets the capital cost of our energy efficiency projects, helps DePauw achieve a future that is more sustainable and more carbon-conscious and results in lower operating costs.”

Duke Energy engineers worked closely with the university’s facilities managers to identify less efficient fluorescent lighting fixtures and replace them with energy efficient LEDs.

“The cleanest, most efficient power plant is the one we don’t have to build and programs like this help us delay building new plants, which helps manage costs for all our customers,” said Rick Burger, Duke Energy community relations manager for west-central Indiana.

Duke Energy offers rebates for lighting, HVAC systems and agricultural equipment upgrades, and custom incentives for other upgrades. Business customers can get more Smart $aver program details here and residential customers can find Smart $aver incentives here.