RCx energy studies

Find efficiencies to make your systems run smoothly

Building systems—from refrigeration to motors to HVAC—are complex. Small inefficiencies can multiply into large energy problems if left unchecked.

Our recommissioning and retrocommissioning (RCx) studies help find inefficiencies, so you can start saving money and running at peak performance while also qualifying for a series of rebates. An RCx study by our qualified engineering professionals will help provide:

• A comfortable facility.
• Efficient operations.
• Longer equipment life.
• Lower energy bills.
• Credits for green-building programs, such as LEED, and points for ENERGY STAR^® certification.

How it works

Once a building is commissioned, it’s expected to run at peak performance. Over time systems need to be rechecked, which is where RCx comes in. Recommissioning reviews a previously commissioned building to ensure it’s continuing to run according to expectations. Retrocommissioning retroactively updates a building that may not have been commissioned in the first place.

We offer several options for an RCx audit:

• Recommissioning/retrocommissioning (full RCx): Requires at least 50,000 square feet of commissioned space.
  • Rebates include 30% of study costs and $400 per kilowatt of summer-season reduction, up to $20,000.
    
• Recommissioning Lite (RCx-Lite): Requires between 25,000-40,000 square feet of commissioned space.
  • Rebates include 50% of study costs, up to $10,000.
• Turnkey RCx: Requires at least 50,000 square feet of commissioned space.
  • Rebate: 100% of study costs over two payments.
• Turnkey RCx Lite: Requires a digital control of a building’s HVAC equipment via a building automation system.
  • Rebate: 100% of study costs up to $9,500.

Our Energy Management Representatives are happy to provide details about each of these study options.

RCx studies often involve a minimum of six months to gather and process data on energy-using systems in buildings, pulled from control system trending data, equipment monitoring data logging, and other sources.

Eligibility and details

To be eligible, you must own or operate a facility in Minnesota and receive electric service from us.

• Preapproval: Complete the RCx study pre-approval application and receive written approval from us. You’ll work with an Energy Management Representative to provide basic information about your facility, including access to energy-related billing data. This information is used to determine if an RCx study would offer significant opportunities for savings.
• Investigation: Upon approval, you'll select a third-party RCx provider to visit your facility and identify problems and opportunities for savings, including a prioritized report of recommendations. Selected RCx provider must agree to meet minimum established study requirements.
• Implementation, verification, and payment: You agree to implement all recommended measures with a combined payback period of two years or less (and an investment of $5,000 or less) within 12 months of receiving your completed study. You’ll work with your RCx provider and our representatives to select the measures that make the most sense to implement. After recommendations are implemented, you’ll be able to apply for additional rebates.

Set up your assessment

To get started, contact one of our Energy Experts. They'll help you choose which RCx study option is best for your facility.

Contact a representative