Find Hidden Savings in Your Pump Systems
When you upgrade to high-efficiency pumps or add variable frequency drives (VFDs) you may earn cash incentives from your serving utility—up to $0.33 per kWh saved or $180 per horsepower installed. These incentives are backed by the Bonneville Power Administration’s (BPA) Energy Smart Industrial (ESI) program and your serving utility.
Simple Steps to Start Saving
How to Access Pump System Utility Incentives:
Step 1: Opportunity Assessment
Contact your Energy Smart Industrial Partner (ESIP), utility, or qualified pump vendor to discuss your pump system, operating conditions, current performance data, and upgrade objectives.
Step 2: Savings Analysis
Your ESIP will estimate potential energy savings and incentive amounts; and provide you with an analysis of projected costs, savings, and return on investment (ROI).
Step 3: Equipment Selection and Installation
Select eligible high-efficiency pumps or VFDs that meet program requirements. Your ESIP can help verify eligibility criteria, including PEI ratings for pumps. Proceed with installation and your serving utility’s estimated incentives.
Step 4: Incentive Payment
Upon verification of installation, documentation of costs, and energy savings, your utility will issue the incentive payment. Most payments are processed within 60-90 days of project completion.
Timeline:
Most project periods from initial contact, completion, to incentive payment receipt is within 6 months.
Multiple Pathways to Increase Energy Savings
Maximize your incentives by pursuing one or both measures. Upgrade to a high-efficiency pump, add a variable frequency drive to existing equipment, or combine both strategies across different pumps in your facility to deliver compound savings.
Strategy 1: Upgrade to a High-Efficiency Pump
Earn up to $0.33 per kWh saved
View Option 1
Replace your existing pump with a high-efficiency model and receive utility incentives that can help offset upgrade costs. Energy savings are calculated using BPA’s Efficient Pump Calculator, ensuring accurate projections.
Eligible Pumps:
- End suction close-coupled pumps
- End suction frame-mounted pumps
- In-line pumps
- Radial split-case pumps
- Submersible turbine pumps
Requirements:
- New pump rated less than 200 horsepower
- Pump meets applicable Pump Energy Index (PEI)
- Suitable for both retrofit and new construction projects
Energy Savings:
Industrial facilities typically report 15-30% decreased energy consumption after installing high-efficiency pump models.
Strategy 2: Add a Variable Frequency Drive (VFD)
Earn up to $180 per horsepower
(Based on 815 kWh/hp energy savings)
View Option 2
VFDs control pump motor speed to precisely match your system’s flow demand. As the pump slows down during lower demand periods, the motor draws significantly less power—delivering immediate energy savings without replacing your existing pump.
Why VFDs Deliver ROI:
- Energy Reduction: Variable-load applications may reduce energy consumption by 20-50 percent
- Extended Equipment Life: Helps reduce mechanical stress on pumps, motors, and seals
- Improved Process Control: Better flow regulation and system performance
- Lower Maintenance Costs: Fewer cavitation issues and reduced wear
Requirements:
- Pump motor rated 100 horsepower or less
- For new construction, VFDs can not be required by state or local code
- Existing throttling valves or bypass mechanisms must be removed or disabled
Ideal Applications:
- Process water systems
- Cooling tower pumps
- Boiler feed pumps
- Wastewater applications
- Chemical transfer pumps with variable demand
Is Your Pump System Draining Your Budget?
Industrial pump systems can drive high energy use, maintenance costs, and operational inefficiencies. If you are experiencing any of these challenges, there may be opportunities to improve performance and reduce operating costs.
Common Pump System Challenges:
High monthly energy bills from inefficient pump operations
Frequent pump failures requiring costly repairs and downtime
Cavitation, seal failures, or bearing issues reducing equipment life
Throttling valves or bypass systems wasting energy
Oversized pumps running inefficiently for actual demand
Budget constraints limiting capital equipment upgrades
The ESI Program's Resolution:
Upgrading your pumping system with high-efficiency pumps and VFDs can significantly reduce your facility’s energy use and maintenance costs while improving pump system controls.
Freqently Asked Questions
How much can I save with an efficient pump upgrade?
The average industrial facility reports 15-30% reduction in pump energy costs after installing high-efficiency pump system upgrades. Actual savings depend on operating hours, current pump efficiency, and system configuration. Use the Efficient Pump Calculator for a customized estimate.
What if my pump is larger than 200 horsepower?
While the streamlined incentive applies to smaller pumps, custom incentives may be available for larger equipment through your utility’s industrial energy conservation program. Contact your ESIP to explore available options.
Can I combine the pump upgrade incentive with a VFD incentive?
These are typically separate measures, so most projects select one per pump. However, in some cases, the measures may ‘stack’ on a single pump project.
Will adding a VFD affect my pump warranty?
Most modern pumps are VFD-compatible. Consult with your pump manufacturer to confirm compatibility and warranty implications. Many manufacturers now design pumps specifically for VFD applications.
How do I know if my pump system is a good candidate for a VFD?
VFDs deliver the best ROI on pumps with variable flow demand (e.g., not constant flow). Applications such as cooling tower pumps, process water circulation, and wastewater handling are ideal. Systems using throttling valves or bypass controls are also excellent candidates.
Are either of these pump measures applicable to new construction projects?
Yes! Both high-efficiency pump upgrades and VFD installations are available for new construction, when not required by your state or local energy codes.