With energy prices rising, many are looking for savings through discounts available under plans designed to spur economic development. All states, and some large cities and counties, have economic development organizations (EDOs) that focus on attracting jobs and business. Doing so increases tax revenue and growth while enhancing community stability. Such programs change often, however, and may not be seen in utility tariffs, so it pays to keep an eye out for opportunities that open the door to such discounts.
In a second case, a benefit designed to draw jobs back to a part of a city affected by a natural disaster (or keep those still remaining) was limited to customers having peak demands of 500 (or fewer) kW. A small college in the area had a combined peak demand (for all its accounts) of 2,600 kW, and concluded it was ineligible. Once again, a close look at the rules indicated that the limit could instead be applied to a single account (which was the regulatory definition of a "customer"). By applying for a rate discount for only its largest building (having a peak load of 400 kW), the college was able to secure a rate cut for part of its campus.