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Energy Watch

Helping businesses take control of energy costs.

What is Napa County Energy Watch (NCEW)?
Napa County Energy Watch is a partnership of Pacific Gas & Electric (PG&E) and Sustainable Napa County (SNC) – a local nonprofit started by the Gasser Foundation in 2007.

How does NCEW help Napa County businesses?
For small commercial customers, including local nonprofits and governments and special districts - NCEW provides a no-cost energy use assessment with emphasis on structures, systems and comprehensive energy savings recommendations, including a detailed outline of available rebates and incentives.

The team will first analyze the no- and low-cost opportunities for increasing energy efficiency followed by a more in-depth evaluation to identify any measures that may be considered in mid-to long-term planning so customers are prepared to make well-informed decisions for their specific operation. Next, the NCEW team provides coordination of the installation of approved energy saving lighting equipment, verification of installation and free start-to-finish project management and quality control. And, NCEW offers higher-than-standard rebates available only through this program. In addition, NCEW handles the entire PG&E rebate process including completing and submitting all necessary forms to PG&E.

Do customers have to pay NCEW for assessments
and analysis?
No. NCEW services come at no charge to our customers - the program is funded through the public purpose program surcharge and mandated by the California Public Utilities Commission. All program services – from initial assessment to project management - are fully covered by this funding.

While a customer may have some expenditure for identified energy efficiency equipment upgrades (e.g. lighting replacements) and/or retrofits, these are not required and the customer is free to choose whether or not to install. However, the return on investment is typically high and any expenses are quickly paid back through a combination of rebates and savings on energy bills - so rarely do customers find it economically feasible to do nothing once they are armed with information about their current energy use and associated costs.

Is the information collected and analyzed through
NCEW confidential?
Yes, customer privacy is very important to us. Energy use information is never shared with others and stays internal to NCEW and PG&E. In addition, NCEW will never share contact information with any third parties or vendors (auditors, consultants, etc.). We also do not recommend any outside products or vendors but will leave customers with enough information so customers can ask the right questions of vendors and make informed choices about the businesses, suppliers, materials and equipment they choose.

How does NCEW leverage other PG&E programs?
NCEW works closely with PG&E departments and representatives to make sure that NCEW and other PG&E programs and tools are integrated and aligned. This includes bringing attention to resources and business opportunities that exist for customers (example: Savings by Design program for new construction and the Whole House Retrofit program), as well as other PG&E programs that reach targeted industries and business sectors including lodging, schools, wineries, grocery stores and hospitals/health care.

Does NCEW align with the Napa County Green
Business program?
Yes! If a business has applied for Napa County Green Business certification, the NCEW team can provide the comprehensive energy assessment required to complete that portion of the certification process. If a business has not yet applied to the program but intends to, working with NCEW now will help insure that the energy assessment is complete, making the certification process a more efficient and timely process for the applicant and Napa County.

How do businesses begin the NCEW process?
The first step is to contact Sustainable Napa County to indicate interest and to schedule an appointment with the NCEW assessment team. All inquiries should be directed to: Info@SustainableNapaCounty.org with “Energy Watch” in the subject line.

What is Sustainable Napa County?
Founded as an initiative of the Gasser Foundation in 2007, Sustainable Napa County (SNC) is a nonprofit organization bringing together stakeholders as part of a comprehensive, collaborative campaign to measurably improve conditions for a healthy, prosperous Napa County. Our vision is for a thriving community; our mission is to take action for economic vitality, environmental health and social equity. These three elements of sustainability are integral to, and reflected in, each of our goals and strategies.


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