In conjunction with the California Department of Public Utilities, Savings by Design offers services and incentives to help owners and designers of commercial buildings raise energy performance. Qualified non-residential new construction and renovation projects in the service area of one of the six participating utilities are eligible to participate. The five participating utilities are Sacramento Municipal Utility District, Pacific Gas and Electric, San Diego Gas and Electric, Southern California Edison, Southern California Gas Company, and Los Angeles Department of Water and Power. 

Savings by Design has two basic approaches through which to participate: the Whole Building Approach and the Systems Approach. Through the Whole Buildings Approach owners may be eligible for incentives of up to $150,000 and design teams may receive up to $50,000. The Systems Approach evaluates individual efficiency improvements to qualifying systems. Incentives are based on annualized kWh savings, therm savings, and peak demand reduction. Owners are eligible for incentives up to $150,000. All technologies are eligible for peak demand incentives, with the exception of hot water systems. In addition, design assistance is available to owners and design teams.

Interested customers must contact the utility early in the design process to determine funding availability and start technical and design assistance. Detailed information, including contact information may be found on the web site listed above.