Subcommittees presently address issues concerning partnerships and procurement and the new utility environment. Previously, they addressed marketing and communications, training, facility analysis, and new building design. Future plans include examining renewable energy and water conservation. The group meets triannually and encourages agency and utility participation. Just as private consumers can take advantage of utility incentive programs, EPAct allows Federal agencies to participate as well.
Rebates are still available from some utilities as value-added incentives to retain customers.
Creative financing through utility contracting also offers a means for funding energy and water efficiency projects at no up-front cost to the taxpayer. Using alternative financing, Federal agencies can contract with utilities to provide energy services and pay all up-front project costs in exchange for a share of the cost savings resulting from the efficiency improvements during the contract period. This type of contracting mechanism often involves a partnership among the Federal agency and its local utility, energy service companies, and industry manufacturers. In addition to allowing agencies to take advantage of utility incentive programs, EPAct allows agencies to accept goods or electric, gas, and water services to increase energy efficiency. The Federal sector has used utility incentive programs and other shared savings programs extensively.