Service Brief

Energy Efficiency Innovations for Small Business That Deliver ResultsProgressive utilities, state agencies and energy efficiency service providers have found that the best way to achieve cost-effective energy savings, high customer satisfaction and economic development is by helping small business customers prosper. Approximately 80% of commercial customers are small businesses, with the potential to reduce their energy use by up to 40%. Those savings can boost the bottom line and customer satisfaction significantly for small business owners, while helping utilities meet aggressive energy savings targets.

Meeting Goals Cost-effectivelyNexant’s proven energy efficiency solutions for small businesses have been successfully implemented with utilities across the country including ComEd, Vectren Energy, Nicor Gas, Santee Cooper and SRP to deliver greater savings at a lower cost per kWh and therm–approximately 35% lower on average than E Source reported values for similar small business programs.

Goals Achieved, Satisfaction ProvenIn the ComEd and Nicor Gas Small Business Energy Savings Program, 46% of the customers who received assessments and no-cost, direct-install measures chose to also install additional low-cost improvements. As a result, the utilities achieved 250% and 298% of their program’s energy savings goals, respectively.

“Our Small Business Direct Install program produced results that exceeded all our goals. We were successful in getting our small business customers to engage by implementing a program that made it easy for them to participate. Incorporating and leveraging our trade ally network significantly increased responsiveness.”

– David Hernandez, Program Manager, Small Business Energy Efficiency Program, ComEd

Advantages for Your Small Business Customers1. No-cost, on-site assessments by specially-trained

energy advisors and pre-qualified trade allies provide a comprehensive, personalized action plan for your customers to save money and energy

2. Low-cost energy efficiency improvements with instant rebates reduce your customers’ upfront costs

3. Streamlined services provide a hassle-free experience for your customers:

• Customized recommendations report delivered on site during assessment

• Immediate installation of no-cost energy-saving improvements from pre-approved local contractors

• Low-cost improvements provided at pre-negotiated labor and material costs save time and money

Bringing Success to You and Your Customers

1. Integrated Data Management, Tracking, Reporting and Mobile EngagementProven, Reliable Software – Nexant iEnergy® iEnergy Onsite is a mobile energy assessment software tool that provides customized reports immediately to the customer with recommended improvements, energy and cost savings, incentives and payback. The reports are based on the identification of existing equipment options which are the target of the program and the selection of relevant recommendations related to them. All data collected through iEnergy Onsite seamlessly integrates into iEnergy DSM Central for real-time program management, information analysis and reporting. Every detail from program design and sales outreach to building assessments, installations, energy savings and incentive processing can be managed easily in one simple platform for improved cost-effectiveness and communications.

2. Effective Customer EngagementNexant’s deep understanding of the small business market and demonstrated ability to identify customer segments with the greatest potential for energy savings creates an informed, geo-targeted marketing strategy to drive program participation and engagement. Successful project completions and measurable energy savings help build community awareness and word-of-mouth referrals to generate new customers.

3. Simplified Process Saving time and money is critical for small businesses. That’s why Nexant’s proven approach for small business focuses on simplicity. One-stop energy assessments, direct installation of no- and low-cost energy improvements by qualified trade allies, and instant rebates make the experience simple and easy for your customers. We streamline the administrative, quality assurance and incentive processing steps to ensure that the experience is seamless for your customers, and reliable for you.

4. Trade Ally Network Helps Increase Conversion RatesBuilding a strong network of lighting, HVAC, and equipment contractors creates a powerful sales force in the community for deeper energy savings and greater customer satisfaction to support the local economy.

“We appreciate that the program utilizes local trade ally firms and is a new way for us to grow our existing business while creating new business opportunities for us. We feel strongly that this program will continue to grow our business and is a positive impact on our community.”

—Tim Bell, Electrical Supervisor, Deig Bros. Construction

Copyright © 2014 Nexant, Inc. All rights reserved

21% Improvement in Customer Satisfaction“At JEA, Nexant successfully used market intelligence and trade ally engagement to achieve our goals within budget and increase customer satisfaction.” – Peter King, DSM Program Manager, JEA

Look to the Leader

Nexant is a leading provider of services, software and infrastructure for utility demand side management programs and business operations. Nexant combines experienced professionals, proven technology and systems, and deep industry knowledge to earn the reputation as a top DSM and energy efficiency solutions company. For all DSM program and business process management needs, from design to evaluation—look to the leader.

iEnergy Onsite

iEnergy DSM Central

To secure greater energy savings for you and your small business customers, please contact: Phone: 415-369-1198 • Email: info@nexant.com Web: www.nexant.com