FAQs

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1. What is the definition of "energy neutral"?

   Answer: The new Ice Bear® consumes equal to or less energy than a minimally compliant Title 24 system.

   For new construction projects or tenant build out or gut/rehab applications, an EnergyPro model of the building will compare the TDV energy usage as per the Title 24 standard for that building vs. the same building with an ISAC system. The DX system will be modeled with the minimum allowed EER for new construction. If, with the ISAC system, the cooling TDV energy consumption is less than 5% above the standard calculation, the ISAC system is determined to be energy neutral or better.

   It is important to note, Shift & Save is not an energy efficiency program. However, energy efficiency is a benefit often achieved by the Ice Bear® unit installation and results in a permanent load shift.

   A Title 24 run is not required for the Shift & Save program. However, please check with your local and state building codes to see if a Title 24 run is necessary for reasons not related to this program.

2. Is the Ice Bear® modeled on EnergyPro and/or eQuest?

   Answer: Yes. It's currently modeled on EnergyPro and will be modeled on eQuest later this year.

3. What happens if the application is process related and Title 24 does not apply? Will you still require a Title 24 run?

   Answer: If a customer's application does not require a T24 model based on local or state building code requirements then one will not be required by the program administrator. In process applications of this technology a custom feasibility analysis for the specific function will be required to determine the peak load shift eligible for an incentive. However, for basic retrofit applications, the Feasibility Form on the Shift & Save website can be used.

   The $200 per T24 run is on a per Ice Bear® basis for those customers who complete a T24 run and then submit it to determine the incentive amount. For example, if the new construction applicant has ten Ice Bears® in the T24 run, then $2,000 is available for that model.

4. Do solar customers qualify for the program?

   Answer: Customers who can meet the requirements of an energy efficiency program (such as Savings by Design) or a solar program can also participate in the Shift & Save program for the kW shifted through the application of the Ice Bear® technology. The Shift & Save program is a demand program and is considered separate from any efficiency program.

5. Is there a list of customers who have successfully implemented the program?

   Answer: Yes. Ice Energy has a list of projects where ~100 Ice Bear® units were installed. There is also a demonstration Ice Bear® unit at their office in Lake Forest, CA. A second demonstration unit will be installed in the Sacramento Ice Bear® office in the next few months. If you would like to see a list of locations or arrange a site visit to one of the demonstration units, please contact Cypress Customer Service Center at 877-811-8700.

6. Is a Title 24 required for a new construction project not subject to Title 24?

   Answer: No. If the specific customer application of the peak load shift technology using an Ice Bear® does not require a T24 run based on local or state building codes or any exemptions then program administrator will not require one. However, in that case, a feasibility analysis will be required to determine peak load shift for incentive purposes.

7. Do the packaged units come in big tonnage, (i.e. 100 tons or more)?

   Answer: The current Ice Bear® 50 unit approved under the Shift & Save program is a 7.5-ton system. It can be applied to package or split systems ranging from 3 to 15 tons. The 5-ton Ice Bear® 30 unit will be available in May 2008. Determination of PLS credits for the Ice Bear® 30 will need to be established by Ice Energy and PG&E for the Shift & Save program.

   The Ice Bear® ice storage module weighs more than a standard package unit but can be applied separate from the package unit. Therefore, either a ground mount or roof mount can apply. While Ice Bear® storage modules have been applied in roof top locations, a roof load review is recommended prior to application.

8. Is Shift & Save a load shifting Demand Response Program? If so, is the rebate not coming from the Energy Efficiency Program?

   Answer: No. The rebate is not from an Energy Efficiency program. This program is paid form the from distribution charges and, as such, is considered a Demand reduction program.

9. Does the Shift & Save Program affect customers currently participating in another Demand Response Program (i.e. Critical Peak Pricing)?

   Answer: No. Any customer who meets the requirements of a specific PG&E program including other demand programs, is eligible for Shift & Save. The program's intent is to permanently reduce peak though the installation of ISAC units. However, the objective is to not pay for the same KW peak reduction within two or more programs. If a customer is applying to receive incentives for peak reduction in multiple PG&E programs through the installation of Ice Storage Air Conditioning (ISAC) technology, then that customer's application(s) will be reviewed by the PG&E program managers to determine which single program best benefits the customer.

10. Are customers protected? How is the program beneficial for the customer?

    Answer: The program includes a manufactures warranty of ten (10) years on the storage tank, three (3) years on coil, and one (1) year on other systems parts/controls.

    Added Benefits. The Shift & Save program:

    • Permanently shifts demands of air conditioning units from summer on-peak hours during the 2007 - 2011 program years
    • Earns valuable LEED points for a percentage above Title-24 prescriptive standards. The breakdown of points includes one point for innovative technology and up to four points for energy and atmospheric features
    • Promotes PLS technology and strategies in retrofit, new construction, and gut/rehab applications
    • Eliminates peak load and lowers customer costs for peak energy
    • Helps lower a building's carbon/greenhouse gas footprint by 10 to 20%
    • Reduces California's electricity peak demand
    • Helps improve comfort and increase AC equipment life
    • Supports a "Key Action" in California's Energy Action Plan II to tap advanced technologies to achieve the goals of reliability, affordability, and an environmentally-sound energy future
    • Protects against rolling blackouts and shortages
    • Reduces pollution and smog
    • Makes better use of California's natural resources
    • Reduces the need for construction of new generation plants
    • Saves 20% or more on annual electricity bills
    • Eases the strain on the grid throughout periods of high peak demand
    • May likely increase customer comfort, especially in retrofit applications

Should you have any additional questions about the program please contact Ruby Irigoyen at the Shift & Save Customer Service Center at 1-877-811-8700.