Michigan is home to some of the nation’s best utility programs for energy efficiency incentives. By making smart choices, new and existing Michigan growers can take advantage of these programs to outfit their facilities with the latest technology at significant discounts.
Right now in Michigan, cannabis cultivators are the envy of growers nationwide. All across The Great Lakes State, cultivators are doing swift business, licensing with the state is becoming more streamlined, ancillary service companies are popping up eager to serve, and finally there is fresh hope for Motor City cultivators to get their permits heard.
But a lesser-known fact is that Michigan is also home to some of the best utility energy efficiency programs in the country.
The power of being power-hungry
So what does this have to do with cannabis cultivators?
As you probably know, indoor cannabis cultivation uses a staggering amount of power. Cultivating any crop indoors, even in greenhouses, is intensely energy-intensive. In Michigan, where annual temperatures that fluctuate like a thrill ride at Michigan’s Adventure can put enormous stress on powerful HVAC systems, large cultivators spend easily millions of dollars in gas and electricity each year. Even for smaller growers, this can equal up to half of their annual expenses.
Because utilities paradoxically want their customers to use less power, they are falling over themselves to pay single large electric and gas customers millions of dollars simply to use more energy-efficient equipment. Consumers Energy, DTE, BWL, Indiana-Michigan, and others have programs whose entire purpose is literally to send money in cash rebates to customers.
Get your place in line as soon as you can
There are many “measures” a.k.a. energy-efficient technologies that may be eligible for a rebate. Opportunities for growers to make big bucks are to install LED grow lights and high-efficient HVAC. Other incentivized grow room technologies can include building automation systems, standalone dehumidification units, and even water conservation and water recapture equipment. More conventional commercial equipment such as hallway and office lighting, exterior lighting, controls, and kitchen equipment will also make you money.
The ideal time to engage your utility around your energy efficiency rebate is before you decide on your final project. You want to make sure as early as possible that your utility can reserve adequate funds to pay you for your project. Sometimes these funds can go quickly, so be sure to get your place in line.
Find your rebate ally superstar
In some cases, you will need to work with a utility “Trade Ally.” A Trade Ally is a qualified third party partner who will submit your project information to the utility and will make sure that the utility has all the information they need to account for the totality of savings in your facility. Their job is to translate utility-speak into plain English and back again.
Even if you are not required to work with a Trade Ally on your application, it is often advantageous to do so, as they will know the programs well and can help you take full advantage of your rebate opportunities.
The Enlighten Your Grow team are Trade Allies at many utilities and are experienced in working with our cannabis clients to understand their options and in delivering these rebates to our clients.
Set up a call anytime with the Enlighten Your Grow team to learn more about how we can help you get free money for your grow operation projects. It’s never too early to think about how to get you incentive, but if you wait too long, you may miss your chance.