Many do not know they can receive support for investing in smart solutions for commercial buildings

In September, the government presented a package to help so-called electricity-intensive companies in a transition period. Tommy Brurberg Hansen of Guard Automation believes many companies are unaware that they may qualify for support to invest in solutions that can help reduce electricity consumption.

”It has never been more favourable to take action than now, and there is quite a lot you can receive in support. I believe companies should recognise their window of opportunity and check if they can get support now while the offer is still there,” says Brurberg Hansen.

Who can apply

Previously, companies did not receive support for energy efficiency measures, but now companies with at least 3 per cent electricity intensity can apply for grants. This means that if the electricity bill accounts for more than 3 per cent of the turnover for a half-year, you can receive grants for energy-saving measures.

A turnover of NOK 1 million in a half-year and an electricity bill of NOK 30,000 is therefore enough for you to apply to have up to 50 per cent of the investment cost for energy-saving measures covered. In addition, you will have a larger share of your electricity bill covered than companies that do not implement measures.

Relevant energy-saving measures can, for example, be control systems that give you an overview, and which reduce electricity consumption with the help of automation and smart control.

”For many companies, something as simple as insight into operational data will yield benefits without requiring large installations and extensive processes,” says Brurberg Hansen.

He points to the cooperation between Guard and HG Eiendom as a good example.

”Many companies lack the control and overview they need. They lack automated systems to handle things like snow-melting systems that are turned on manually, and perhaps even forgotten throughout the season. Such a system uses a very large amount of energy,” says Brurberg Hansen.

How to get support

To receive support while it is still possible, you should start the process now. First, check how large your electricity expenses are compared to your turnover. If it is more than 3 per cent, you can apply for support.

”Before you can apply for support, you must contact someone who works with energy consulting and have them come for an inspection. They will then prepare a report with recommended measures,” says Brurberg Hansen.

The report will contain information about the condition grade of the various systems in your building, with information on what improvements can be made in different areas and which solutions can be implemented to reduce energy consumption.

Brurberg Hansen says that once an energy advisor has visited one of the customers at Guard, the mapping of how the system is currently controlled can be used as a starting point to see how the existing solutions of the company can be integrated with the solutions from Guard for energy efficiency.

”The clear benefits of our solutions are that you not only get lower consumption, you also get very predictable consumption. And you can analyse different sources of consumption on the property, and use this to make sensible priorities.”

Peak loads can break many businesses

The biggest fear many companies have is that costs will exceed revenues. Today’s high and unpredictable electricity prices mean that, for many, this fear is not unfounded.

Snow melting on pavements is something some might view as a luxury, but in Norway it is often necessary for property owners connected to public infrastructure. It is something you must do, otherwise you risk fines.

The problem with such energy-intensive solutions is that peak loads, the highest hourly consumption you have during a month, can have large and unpredictable impacts on your electricity bill. By having smart control systems, you can automatically reduce peak loads by ensuring that multiple energy-intensive systems do not turn on at the same time.

”I believe the high electricity prices will last for many years; it is a new norm. The electricity compensation we see now, however, is temporary,” Brurberg Hansen concludes.