Find Hidden Savings in Your Pump Systems
Upgrade to high-efficiency pumps or add variable frequency drives (VFD) and earn substantial utility incentives—up to $0.33 per kWh saved or $180 per horsepower installed. Incentives backed by Bonneville Power Administration (BPA) and your local utility.
Simple Steps to Start Saving
How to Access Your Pump Upgrade Incentives:
Step 1: Opportunity Assessment
Contact your Energy Smart Industrial Partner (ESIP), utility representative, or qualified pump vendor to discuss your pump system and share operating parameters, current performance data, and upgrade objectives.
Step 2: Calculation
Your ESIP will estimate energy savings and incentive amounts. You’ll receive an analysis showing projected costs, savings, and ROI.
Step 3: Equipment Selection and Installation
Choose from eligible high-efficiency pumps or VFD systems that meet program requirements. Your ESIP can help ensure compliance with all eligibility criteria including PEI ratings for pumps. Proceed with installation.
Step 4: Incentive Payment
Upon verification of installation and energy savings, your utility will send incentive payment. Most payments are processed within 60-90 days of project completion.
Timeline:
Most projects from initial contact to incentive payment are completed within 3-6 months.
Two Powerful Ways to Save with Energy Smart Industrial Program
Option 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 cover a significant portion of your upgrade costs. Energy savings are calculated using BPA’s Efficient Pump Calculator, ensuring accurate projections.
Eligible Pumps Include:
- 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 has a rated Pump Energy Index (PEI) specification
- Suitable for both retrofit and new construction projects
Typical Savings:
Industrial facilities report 15-30% reduction in pump energy consumption after upgrading to high-efficiency models.
Option 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: Reduce energy consumption by 20-50% on variable load applications
- Extended Equipment Life: Reduced 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
VFD Incentive 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, or
- Chemical transfer pumps with variable demand.
Is Your Pump System Draining Your Budget?
Industrial pumps consume significant energy and require frequent maintenance. If you’re experiencing any of these challenges, you may be missing out on cost-saving opportunities:
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 Solution:
Energy Smart Industrial (ESI) makes upgrading affordable with incentives that dramatically reduce upfront costs while delivering ongoing energy savings.
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 upgrading to high-efficiency models. 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 efficiency 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.
Is this available for new construction projects?
Yes! Both pump upgrade and VFD incentives are available for new construction, provided the VFD project is not required by state or local energy codes to qualify.