Cutting energy costs is on everyone's mind lately, especially as spikes in price of oil occur. People want to know how to minimize spending without turning out the lights completely. And businesses are no different.

Benefits for the environment are an added incentive for cutting electrical costs. The country is becoming more "green," and the government wants consumers and businesses to protect the Earth. The good news as a business owner is that you can do both. But before you investigate cutting energy costs further, consider the following:

1. Join energy-saving programs sponsored by the U.S. Department of Energy to begin cutting power costs.

2. Schedule a facility-wide energy assessment to determine where you can start cutting energy costs.

3. Use alternative sources of power to help with cutting electric power costs.

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Investigate cutting energy costs by joining the energy-saving programs

A joint program between the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the U.S. Department of Energy, the Energy Star program was created in 1992 to help reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Enlisting in the program can give your business a boost by helping you set goals and track your savings. Once you're at the top of your game, you might be listed as one of Energy Star's top-performing buildings. Energy Savers works with the U.S. Department of Energy, the U.S. EPA and the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development to improve energy efficiency. If you work with Energy Savers, expect to be cutting electric power costs around 20% to 30%.

I recommend: The Energy Star program can provide an energy-management strategy to analyze your current energy performance. Use its energy-performance rating system to compare your energy usage to other facilities. The U.S. Department of Energy's Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy site provides ways for cutting cost of energy usage for several types of business areas, such as commercial buildings, farms and ranches, industry and religious sectors.

Hire an energy inspector to start cutting utility costs

Working with an assessor to provide a facility-wide energy audit can maximize your energy usage while minimizing overall spending, such as cutting costs of lighting. Sometimes it takes a third party to look at the spending amount and realize what can be done to cut back. These assessors do just that.

I recommend: Chevron Energy Solutions has a mission to help businesses pay less for energy all while maintaining high levels of operations. Engineers and project managers assist you to provide unbiased environmental energy choices. Contact one of its experts to assist your business. EnergyChek International can uncover areas of your facility that have excessive energy consumption. Home Energy Tune-uP provides names of inspectors all over the country. The inspectors check your home or home office and if in the real estate business, will help your business by assisting buyers and sellers.

Find alternative sources of power to help with cutting costs of electric power

Although your business needs power, you don't need to have someone choose what type it should be. Oftentimes you can make the decision yourself, knowing that these types of alternate sources shouldn't increase in cost over the years like fossil fuel prices may. Utilize the sun, and use solar power for your business operations. As long as you have an area to place solar panels, you should be able to use solar energy. Harness the wind's energy and use it to power up your facility.

I recommend: SunWize Technologies markets its solar energy as a way to eliminate the need for a generator in case electrical power fails. Once you locate your industry area and click on the link, you can locate more information on its products. Xantrex Technology sells solar- or wind-powered products for commercial businesses.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  Depending upon what type of way you go about cutting utility costs, your business may benefit from tax incentives or write-offs. Check with the IRS before you file your taxes to see if you can include any of your energy changes, such as solar power panels.

When it comes to conserving energy, small businesses can typically save as much money and prevent as much pollution per square foot as big companies. And all types of small businesses can easily cut energy costs, from home-based businesses and restaurants, to inns, service firms and even non-profits.

A great place to help you do it is Uncle Sam's "Energy Star" program for small business which delivers a powerful package of benefits that you can access for free. Environmental leadership adds value to your brand and your business.

What you get by joining the Energy Star program:

1. Free, accurate and unbiased information on cutting your energy costs.
2. A toll-free technical support hotline.
3. A "how-to" guide for analyzing and upgrading energy efficiency at your facility.
4. A resource directory of lenders willing to help small businesses with energy upgrades.
5. Connections to energy equipment and service contractors and utilities.
6. Free workshops and seminars on improving energy efficiency.
7. National and local recognition, plus PR materials to promote your efforts.

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Explore the energy- and money-saving resources at Energy Star

This program is geared to the specific needs of small business.

I recommend: At the main Energy Star Web site, you can calculate potential savings, find answers to common questions or ask a technical question related to the program or saving energy at your small business.

Find energy saving product and service providers fast

Energy Star service and product providers can help identify and implement quality projects that will improve your total energy management.

I recommend: Use this Directory to locate the companies that can provide you the services and products that will help lower operating costs and increase your bottom line.

See small business energy-saving success stories

Small businesses of all types coast-to-coast are saving big on energy costs.

I recommend: For example, Kiddie U's daycare and learning facility in Orlando, FL is saving about $6,500, and preventing more than 120,000 pounds of CO2 emissions annually with high-efficiency air-conditioning, programmable thermostats, T8 fluorescent lamps/electronic ballasts, occupancy sensors, and optimal insulation. See how others are doing it.

Get financing for energy upgrades

Higher-cost energy upgrades may require financing.

I recommend: Click on your state to find financial resources for small business.

Investigate options for your specific type of business or industry

Energy Star offers information and resources tailed to various small business types.

I recommend: Click your business or industry: Grocery & Convenience Stores; Home Based Businesses; Lodging; Manufacturing; Renters & Tenants; Restaurants; Service & Product Providers.

Discover regional, state and local energy saving programs

Offerings can include financial and technical assistance to improve the energy efficiency of your business.

I recommend: See which states have programs available now.

Go for private sector solutions

Uncle Sam's not the only one offering free and unbiased help for cutting energy costs at your business.

I recommend: ENERGYguide can show you the many energy-saving options available to your business. ENERGYguide has information on how to lower your energy bills by replacing equipment, changing the way you use energy, or selecting a different electric or gas supplier if you live in a deregulated state. On ENERGYguide, you can: Sign up with an energy supplier of your choice; analyze your business energy use; shop for energy-efficient products for your business, and find a contractor.

Get cash back for your small business energy upgrades

Many suppliers and utility companies offer cash incentives for taking energy saving steps such as replacing lighting or joining special programs.

I recommend: See ENERGYGuide's More Ways to Save and enter your Zip Code to see what's available in your area.

Tap these other energy resources

Find other energy saving options at these supplier and information sites.

I recommend: Appliances; Energy Efficiency; Energy Types - Solar ; Energy Types - Wind ; Environment ; Remodeling .

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  If you are thinking about purchasing a new heating system, central air conditioning system, or room air conditioner for your business, look for ENERGY STAR models. These are the most energy efficient models on the market and will save you money.
• •  Your office won't warm up any faster if you raise the thermostat setting. When your heating system is on it runs at the same rate regardless of the temperature setting.
• •  Shut the doors to your business or at least try to minimize the number of times that doors to the outside are opened and closed.
• •  Closing the heating vents or radiators in an unoccupied office can save 5-10% on your heating costs.
• •  Leaks develop in all air ducts over time. Sealing these leaks in ducts can reduce heating costs by up to 20% with reductions of 10% extremely common.
• •  Take advantage of the heat from the sun. Open shades on the southern and eastern windows during the day. Close these shades when the sun goes down to keep the heat from escaping.