The Truckee Donner Public Utility District has conservation programs available to qualifying business or commercial customers that help save energy and water and minimize related operating expenses.

Many programs are free or offset the costs of a project, resulting in a return on investment, according to the district These new technologies can also improve a business’s performance and image.

“Energy efficiency and new lighting technologies are a great way for a company to gain a competitive advantage in the market,” said Trisha Ruby, Truckee Donner PUD conservation program administrator, in a statement. “In the past five years, our business lighting and commercial refrigeration programs have saved local businesses well over a million dollars.”

---

---

The TDPUD Commercial Refrigeration program provides direct installation of energy efficient commercial-grade refrigeration equipment at convenience and grocery stores, restaurants and other businesses.

More than 55 Truckee businesses have participated over the past five years, and in 2013 businesses saved 132,000 kWh — or approximately $21,000.

---

---

In 2013, 59 businesses participated in the TDPUD Business Green Partners program, which offers free plug-in/screw-in CFLs and LEDs, saving businesses on average of more than $500 per year on their electric bill, according to the district.

For example, a state-of-the art LED lighting project at Carmel Gallery in Truckee has reduced energy usage by approximately 50 percent.

“The Truckee Donner PUD staff who deliver the energy efficiency programs are very supportive in finding solutions that greatly reduce your monthly electric bill.” said gallery owner/artistOlof Carmel. “I was able to try numerous LED light bulbs before finding the one that really lit up the gallery.”

For information about these and other programs and to see if you qualify, call Ruby at 530-582-3963, email her at trisharuby@tdpud.org, or visit http://www.tdpud.org.