A closer look at some individual electric company incentive programs, and a glimpse at what the future may hold, will give you a better understanding of how to save energy and money in today's, and tomorrow's, energy markets.

Energy - A Variable Cost

As you well know, controlling costs is a key to profitability in the hotel industry. One variable cost that is often overlooked is energy. On average, the cost of energy accounts for three to five percent of a hotel's total operating expenses. The good news is that energy use, with a comprehensive plan, can often be cut by as much as 20 percent without affecting guest comfort or worker productivity. And the great news is that your electric company can be resource for helping you to take control of your energy costs.

Preparation on your part includes building a team that can start laying the groundwork for what you would like to accomplish. You'll also need to develop a specific target that you would like your organization to achieve. And finally, you should contact your electric company to see what types of programs you can take advantage of to make your energy saving plan even easier.

From simple rebates to sophisticated ...