Prescriptive vs. Custom Lighting Rebates: Choosing the Right Path

If you've spent any time navigating utility rebate programs, you already know the frustration: two projects with nearly identical LED upgrades, but one client walks away with a $4,000 check while the other gets $22,000. The difference usually isn't the fixtures—it's the rebate track they chose.

Prescriptive and custom rebate pathways both exist to incentivize energy-efficient lighting upgrades, but they're built for very different project profiles. Pick the wrong one, and you're either drowning in paperwork for a project that should have been simple, or you're leaving a significant chunk of money unclaimed on a complex installation.

This guide is written for energy consultants who are past the basics. We're not going to explain what an LED is. Instead, we're going to dig into the mechanics of both tracks, walk through the decision criteria that actually matter in the field, and show you exactly where DLC-listed commercial fixtures fit into the equation.

The Core Problem: One Size Does Not Fit All

Utility rebate programs were originally designed around simple swap-outs: replace a 400W metal halide with a 150W LED, claim the watt reduction, collect the check. That model works fine for straightforward retrofits. But commercial and industrial lighting has gotten a lot more sophisticated. Networked controls, daylight harvesting, occupancy-based dimming, multi-zone scheduling—these systems can deliver energy savings that dwarf what a simple fixture swap achieves. And yet, if you try to run a controls-heavy project through a prescriptive track, you'll almost certainly undervalue the savings and underclaim the rebate.

That's the core tension. Prescriptive programs reward simplicity and speed. Custom programs reward thoroughness and documentation. Knowing which one fits your project isn't just an administrative decision—it's a financial one.

What Is a Prescriptive Lighting Rebate?

Prescriptive rebates operate on a fixed formula. The utility publishes a rebate schedule—typically a dollar amount per watt saved, per fixture, or per square foot—and if your project meets the eligibility criteria, you fill out the form and submit. There's no energy modeling required, no baseline negotiation, no custom calculation. The utility has already done the math on their end.

Most prescriptive programs require:

• DLC (DesignLights Consortium) or ENERGY STAR listing for the fixture
• Minimum efficacy thresholds (commonly 100–140+ lumens per watt depending on the program and fixture category)
• Proof of purchase and installation
• Pre- and post-installation wattage documentation
• Sometimes a site inspection or photo verification

The appeal is obvious: low administrative burden, fast processing, predictable payout. For a warehouse swapping out 50 old HID high bays for DLC Premium-listed LED units, prescriptive is almost always the right call. You know the rebate per fixture before the project starts, which makes ROI calculations clean and client conversations straightforward.

The limitation is equally obvious: prescriptive schedules are built around average savings assumptions. If your project delivers above-average savings—because of controls integration, aggressive dimming schedules, or unusually inefficient baseline equipment—the prescriptive payout won't reflect that. You're capped at the schedule rate regardless of actual performance.

What Is a Custom Lighting Rebate?

Custom rebates—sometimes called calculated, performance, or deemed-savings-plus programs depending on the utility—are built around project-specific energy modeling. Instead of applying a fixed rate, the utility (or its third-party evaluator) reviews your proposed design, calculates the projected annual kWh savings, and pays a rebate based on those actual savings.

This is where complex projects get their due. A networked lighting control system that dims fixtures to 40% during daylight hours, shuts off unoccupied zones, and integrates with HVAC scheduling can deliver energy savings that are two to three times higher than a simple fixture swap. A custom rebate program can capture that full value. A prescriptive program cannot.

Custom programs typically require:

• A detailed energy model or savings calculation methodology (often using eQUEST, EnergyPlus, or utility-approved spreadsheet tools)
• Baseline documentation (existing fixture inventory, operating hours, control schedules)
• Proposed design documentation (fixture specs, control sequences, dimming profiles)
• Pre-approval from the utility before installation begins
• Post-installation measurement and verification (M&V), sometimes including metering
• DLC or ENERGY STAR listing for fixtures in most programs

The tradeoff is time and effort. Custom applications can take weeks to months to process. M&V requirements add cost. And if your energy model doesn't hold up to scrutiny, the utility can adjust the rebate downward after the fact. For small projects, the administrative overhead often isn't worth it. For large commercial or industrial installations, it almost always is.

Prescriptive vs. Custom Rebates: Side-by-Side Comparison

 

Factor	Prescriptive Track	Custom Track
Application complexity	Low — standard form, fixed schedule	High — energy model, pre-approval, M&V
Processing time	2–8 weeks typical	6–20+ weeks typical
Rebate calculation basis	Fixed $/watt or $/fixture rate	Project-specific kWh savings × $/kWh rate
Controls credit	Limited or none	Full credit for dimming, occupancy, daylight harvesting
Best project size	Small to mid-size (<$50K project cost)	Mid to large (>$50K project cost)
Fixture requirements	DLC/ENERGY STAR listed, meets efficacy threshold	DLC/ENERGY STAR listed + detailed specs required
Baseline negotiation	Not applicable — utility sets baseline	Negotiable — actual existing conditions documented
Risk of underclaiming	High for complex projects	Low if model is thorough
Risk of clawback	Low	Moderate (M&V can adjust final payment)
Ideal for	Simple fixture swaps, small retrofits	Networked controls, large facilities, complex baselines

The Controls Problem: Why Prescriptive Falls Short

Here's a scenario that plays out constantly in the field. A distribution center is upgrading 200 high bay fixtures. The new LED units are DLC Premium listed at 150 LPW. On a prescriptive basis, the rebate might be $75 per fixture—$15,000 total. Not bad.

But the project also includes a networked control system with occupancy sensors and daylight harvesting. The facility runs two shifts, and the control system is programmed to dim fixtures to 30% during low-occupancy periods and shut off entire zones when unoccupied. The actual energy savings, when you model it out, are 68% compared to the existing HID system—not the 45% that the prescriptive schedule assumes.

Under a custom track, that same project might qualify for $38,000–$52,000 depending on the utility's $/kWh rate and the verified savings calculation. The difference between $15,000 and $45,000 is not a rounding error. It's the difference between a project that pencils out marginally and one that delivers a compelling ROI for your client.

This is exactly why the choice of rebate track is a strategic decision, not an administrative one. And it's why energy consultants who default to prescriptive on every project are systematically underserving their clients on complex installations.

When to Choose Prescriptive

Prescriptive is the right call when speed and simplicity outweigh the potential for incremental rebate dollars. Specifically, consider prescriptive when:

• The project is a straightforward fixture swap with no controls integration beyond basic on/off switching
• The project size is modest — if the incremental rebate from a custom application is less than the cost of energy modeling and M&V, prescriptive wins on economics
• The client needs fast cash flow — prescriptive applications process faster, which matters when rebate proceeds are factored into project financing
• The utility's prescriptive schedule is generous — some programs have high per-fixture rates that approach what a custom calculation would yield anyway
• The existing baseline is standard — if the client is replacing typical T8 fluorescent or standard HID fixtures with no unusual operating conditions, the prescriptive baseline assumption is probably close enough

For these projects, DLC-listed fixtures with strong efficacy ratings are your best tool. A fixture hitting 150 LPW qualifies for DLC Premium status and typically unlocks the highest prescriptive rebate tier at most utilities.

Featured Product: UFO12 LED High Bay — Ideal for Prescriptive Warehouse Retrofits

The UFO12 LED High Bay Light is purpose-built for exactly this scenario. Available in 150W, 200W, and 240W configurations with tunable color temperature, it carries DLC 5.1 Premium certification and delivers 150 lumens per watt—putting it squarely in the top rebate tier at virtually every major utility program in the U.S.

Starting at $299.00 — → View UFO12 High Bay & Check Availability

For a 200-fixture warehouse retrofit replacing 400W metal halide, the UFO12 at 200W delivers a 50% wattage reduction before controls are even factored in. That's a clean, defensible prescriptive claim with minimal documentation burden.

When to Choose Custom

Custom is the right track when the project's actual savings profile diverges significantly from what the prescriptive schedule assumes. That divergence is most common in these situations:

• Networked lighting controls are part of the scope — occupancy sensors, daylight harvesting, demand response integration, or multi-zone scheduling all generate savings that prescriptive schedules don't capture
• The existing baseline is unusually inefficient — if the client is running 1000W HID fixtures in a space where the prescriptive baseline assumes 400W, you're leaving money on the table with a prescriptive claim
• Operating hours are extended — 24/7 facilities generate more annual kWh savings from the same watt reduction, and custom programs can credit that
• The project is large enough to justify M&V costs — as a rough rule of thumb, if the incremental rebate from custom vs. prescriptive exceeds $10,000–$15,000, the modeling investment pays off
• The utility offers a favorable $/kWh custom rate — some programs pay $0.10–$0.20 per kWh saved, which can generate very large rebates on high-savings projects

Featured Product: UFO07 LED High Bay — High-Output for Complex Industrial Applications

For large industrial facilities where custom rebate applications are warranted, the UFO07 LED High Bay Light delivers the performance specs that energy models need to generate compelling savings calculations. Also DLC 5.1 Premium certified at 150 LPW, available in 150W, 200W, and 240W, with 0–10V dimming compatibility for controls integration.

Starting at $429.00 — → View UFO07 High Bay & Request a Quote

The 0–10V dimming capability is particularly important for custom rebate applications. When your energy model includes a dimming schedule, the utility's evaluator will want to confirm that the fixtures are actually capable of the dimming profile you've modeled. DLC-listed fixtures with documented dimming specs give you that confirmation out of the box.

The DLC Listing: Why It's Non-Negotiable for Either Track

Whether you're going prescriptive or custom, DLC listing is the baseline requirement at the vast majority of U.S. utility rebate programs. The DesignLights Consortium maintains a Qualified Products List (QPL) that utilities use to verify fixture eligibility. If a fixture isn't on the QPL, it's almost certainly ineligible for rebates regardless of its actual performance.

DLC has two tiers that matter for rebate purposes:

• DLC Standard — meets baseline efficacy requirements (thresholds vary by product category, typically 100–120 LPW for high bays)
• DLC Premium — meets higher efficacy thresholds (typically 130–150+ LPW) and qualifies for enhanced rebate tiers at programs that differentiate between the two

For energy consultants, the practical implication is straightforward: always specify DLC Premium-listed fixtures when they're available and cost-competitive. The incremental rebate from Premium vs. Standard listing can easily exceed the price difference between fixture options, making Premium the economically correct choice in most cases.

DLC 5.1, the current version of the standard, also includes requirements for networked lighting controls (NLC) that are increasingly relevant for custom rebate applications. Fixtures and control systems that meet DLC NLC requirements are better positioned for custom program eligibility at utilities that have adopted NLC-specific rebate tracks.

Outdoor Commercial Applications: Area Lights and the Rebate Landscape

High bays get most of the attention in rebate discussions, but outdoor commercial lighting—parking lots, roadways, building perimeters—represents a significant rebate opportunity that's often underutilized. Prescriptive programs for outdoor fixtures typically pay on a per-fixture or per-watt basis, and the rebates can be substantial for large parking lot retrofits.

Featured Product: AR07 150W Tunable LED Area Light — Parking Lot & Commercial Outdoor

The AR07 150W Tunable LED Area Light is designed for exactly these applications. At 150 LPW with DLC listing, it qualifies for top-tier prescriptive rebates at most utility programs covering outdoor commercial fixtures. Tunable color temperature gives you flexibility to meet photometric requirements across different site conditions.

$179.00 per fixture — → View AR07 150W Area Light

For larger parking structures or high-mast applications, the AR07 300W handles higher mounting heights and larger coverage areas while maintaining the DLC Premium efficacy that rebate programs require.

Featured Product: AR07 300W Tunable LED Area Light — High-Output Parking & Commercial

The AR07 300W Tunable LED Area Light is the right tool for large-scale outdoor retrofits where high-output performance and rebate eligibility both matter. Replacing 1000W HID fixtures with 300W LED at 150 LPW is a 70% wattage reduction—the kind of number that generates compelling prescriptive rebate claims and even more compelling custom savings calculations when controls are in the mix.

$469.00 per fixture — → View AR07 300W Area Light & Get a Project Quote

Building Your Rebate Strategy: A Practical Framework

After working through dozens of commercial lighting rebate applications, here's the decision framework that tends to hold up across different utilities and project types.

Step 1: Audit the Utility's Program Structure

Before you do anything else, pull the current rebate schedule for the relevant utility. Programs change annually—sometimes mid-year. Check whether the utility offers both prescriptive and custom tracks, what the per-fixture or per-kWh rates are, and whether there are any bonus tiers for DLC Premium, controls integration, or specific fixture categories.

Resources to check: DSIRE (Database of State Incentives for Renewables & Efficiency) at dsireusa.org, the utility's own rebate portal, and the utility's trade ally or contractor program if one exists. Many utilities have dedicated account managers for commercial projects who can walk you through the current program structure—use them.

Step 2: Characterize the Existing Baseline

Document what's actually installed: fixture type, wattage (including ballast losses for fluorescent), quantity, operating hours, and any existing controls. This baseline documentation serves double duty—it's required for both prescriptive and custom applications, and it's the foundation of your savings calculation if you go custom.

Pay particular attention to operating hours. A facility running 18 hours/day generates 50% more annual kWh savings from the same watt reduction than one running 12 hours/day. If the prescriptive schedule assumes 12-hour operation and your client runs 18, you're systematically underclaiming on a prescriptive application.

Step 3: Scope the Controls Integration

This is the decision point. If the project includes occupancy sensors, daylight harvesting, networked controls, or demand response integration, run a quick back-of-envelope calculation: what's the estimated additional kWh savings from controls vs. fixture swap alone? Multiply by the utility's custom $/kWh rate. If that number exceeds $10,000–$15,000, the custom track is worth pursuing.

If controls aren't in scope, or if the incremental savings don't justify the modeling cost, go prescriptive and move on.

Step 4: Select Fixtures That Maximize Rebate Eligibility

Once you've chosen your track, fixture selection should be driven by rebate eligibility first, then performance, then price. In practice, DLC Premium-listed fixtures at 140–150+ LPW hit all three criteria simultaneously for most commercial applications.

For custom applications, also verify that fixtures have documented 0–10V dimming capability if your energy model includes a dimming schedule. The utility's evaluator will check.

Step 5: Pre-Application Review

For custom applications, always request a pre-application review with the utility or its program administrator before submitting. This is standard practice and most programs accommodate it. A 30-minute call can identify issues with your energy model or documentation before you've invested weeks in a formal submission—and before your client has committed to a project timeline based on an expected rebate amount.

Common Mistakes That Cost Clients Money

These are the errors that show up repeatedly in rebate applications, and they're almost all avoidable.

Defaulting to prescriptive on controls-heavy projects. Already covered above, but worth repeating: if controls are in scope, at least run the numbers on custom before defaulting to prescriptive. The math often surprises people.

Using non-DLC-listed fixtures. This one seems obvious, but it still happens. A client finds a cheaper fixture from an unfamiliar supplier, the project gets installed, and then the rebate application gets rejected because the fixture isn't on the QPL. Always verify DLC listing before specifying.

Submitting after installation without pre-approval on custom applications. Most custom programs require pre-approval before installation begins. If you install first and apply second, you may be ineligible for the custom track entirely and forced onto prescriptive—or denied altogether.

Underestimating operating hours. Facilities managers often underestimate how many hours their lighting actually runs. Metered baseline data, where available, is always more defensible than self-reported hours. For custom applications, consider a short pre-installation metering period to establish actual operating hours.

Missing application deadlines. Utility rebate programs have annual budgets, and popular programs can exhaust their funding before year-end. Submit applications as early in the program year as possible, and for large custom applications, consider reserving funds with the utility before the project is fully scoped.

Not accounting for interactive effects. In facilities with significant HVAC loads, LED lighting upgrades reduce heat gain, which reduces cooling load. Some custom programs will credit this interactive effect in the energy model. It's not always worth the modeling complexity, but for large facilities in hot climates, it can add meaningful rebate dollars.

The Numbers: What Rebates Actually Look Like in Practice

Rebate rates vary significantly by utility and program year, but here are representative ranges based on current U.S. programs to give you a sense of scale.

Prescriptive high bay rebates: $30–$150 per fixture depending on wattage reduction and DLC tier. A 200-fixture warehouse retrofit at $75/fixture = $15,000.

Custom high bay rebates: $0.08–$0.20 per kWh saved annually. A 200-fixture warehouse with controls saving 350,000 kWh/year at $0.12/kWh = $42,000.

Prescriptive outdoor area light rebates: $50–$200 per fixture. A 100-fixture parking lot at $100/fixture = $10,000.

Custom outdoor rebates with controls: $0.08–$0.18 per kWh. A 100-fixture parking lot with occupancy-based dimming saving 180,000 kWh/year at $0.12/kWh = $21,600.

These are illustrative ranges, not guarantees. Actual rebates depend on the specific utility program, current funding availability, and the quality of your application documentation. But the directional point holds: for projects with meaningful controls integration, custom rebates can be two to three times higher than prescriptive.

Stacking Incentives: Federal Tax Credits + Utility Rebates

Utility rebates don't exist in isolation. For commercial clients, LED lighting upgrades can also qualify for the Section 179D energy-efficient commercial buildings deduction, which provides a tax deduction of up to $5.00 per square foot for qualifying energy-efficient improvements. The deduction was expanded and made permanent by the Inflation Reduction Act, and it can be stacked with utility rebates.

The interaction between 179D and utility rebates requires careful handling—rebate proceeds may reduce the depreciable basis of the equipment, which affects the 179D calculation. Work with a tax professional who understands both programs before advising clients on the combined benefit. But the headline is that a well-structured commercial LED project can capture utility rebates, 179D deductions, and accelerated depreciation simultaneously, dramatically improving project economics.

Some states also offer additional incentives through state energy offices, green bank programs, or on-bill financing. DSIRE is the most comprehensive database for tracking these, though it's worth supplementing with direct outreach to state energy offices for programs that may not be fully updated in the database.

Documentation Best Practices for Rebate Applications

Whether you're going prescriptive or custom, documentation quality is the single biggest variable in application success rates. Here's what a clean application file looks like.

For prescriptive applications:

• Completed utility rebate form (current version—check the date)
• DLC QPL printout for each fixture model showing current listing status
• Itemized invoice showing fixture model, quantity, and purchase price
• Pre-installation photos showing existing fixtures
• Post-installation photos showing new fixtures installed
• Contractor license information if required by the utility

For custom applications, add:

• Existing conditions survey with fixture inventory, wattages, and operating schedules
• Energy model or savings calculation with methodology documentation
• Proposed design drawings or fixture layout
• Control system specifications and programming documentation
• M&V plan (pre-approved by utility)
• Post-installation M&V report

Keep copies of everything. Utilities occasionally lose application materials, and having a complete file on your end protects your client's rebate claim.

Working with Utility Account Managers

This is underutilized by a lot of consultants: most large utilities have commercial account managers or energy efficiency program staff who are specifically tasked with helping commercial customers navigate rebate programs. They want applications to succeed—their program metrics depend on it.

Building a relationship with the relevant utility account manager before you need them is worth the investment. They can tell you about upcoming program changes, flag potential issues with your application approach before you submit, and sometimes advocate internally for borderline applications. For large custom projects, a pre-application meeting with the utility's program administrator is essentially standard practice.

Putting It Together: A Sample Project Walkthrough

Let's walk through a concrete example to illustrate how the track selection decision plays out in practice.

Project: Municipal public works facility, 80,000 sq ft, mixed warehouse and office space. Existing lighting: 180 × 400W metal halide high bays in warehouse, 60 × 4-lamp T8 fluorescent troffers in office. Client wants to add occupancy sensors and daylight harvesting in the warehouse.

Step 1 — Utility program check: The local utility offers both prescriptive and custom tracks. Prescriptive high bay rate: $85/fixture for DLC Premium. Custom rate: $0.11/kWh saved.

Step 2 — Prescriptive calculation: 180 high bay fixtures × $85 = $15,300. Office troffers may qualify separately under a fluorescent-to-LED prescriptive track.

Step 3 — Custom calculation (warehouse only): Existing: 180 × 400W × 5,000 hours/year = 360,000 kWh/year. Proposed: 180 × 150W (UFO12) × 5,000 hours = 135,000 kWh/year baseline savings = 225,000 kWh. Controls add estimated 35% additional savings = 78,750 kWh. Total savings: 303,750 kWh × $0.11 = $33,413.

Decision: Custom for the warehouse ($33,413 vs. $15,300), prescriptive for the office (straightforward fluorescent swap, controls not in scope). Hybrid approach captures maximum rebate value from both spaces.

This kind of hybrid approach—custom for the complex portion, prescriptive for the simple portion—is often the optimal strategy for mixed-use facilities. It's worth checking with the utility whether they allow split applications before assuming it's possible, but most programs accommodate it.

Final Thoughts

The prescriptive vs. custom decision isn't complicated once you've internalized the core logic: prescriptive rewards simplicity, custom rewards thoroughness. The mistake most consultants make isn't choosing the wrong track—it's not evaluating both options before defaulting to whichever one they're more comfortable with.

For projects with networked controls, extended operating hours, or unusually inefficient baselines, the custom track almost always generates a higher rebate. The additional documentation burden is real, but on a $500,000 commercial lighting project, spending $5,000 on energy modeling to capture an additional $25,000 in rebates is an obvious investment.

Start with DLC Premium-listed fixtures—that's the foundation of rebate eligibility regardless of which track you choose. Build your documentation habits around what both tracks require. And when in doubt, run the numbers on both options before committing.

Your clients are counting on you to maximize the value of their efficiency investments. The rebate track you choose is one of the highest-leverage decisions in that process.

---

Shop DLC-Listed Commercial LED Fixtures for Rebate-Eligible Projects

All fixtures below carry DLC 5.1 Premium certification and are eligible for utility rebate programs across the U.S.

Product	Application	Efficacy	Price	Link
UFO12 LED High Bay 150–240W	Warehouse, distribution	150 LPW	From $299	View Product
UFO07 LED High Bay 150–240W	Industrial, manufacturing	150 LPW	From $429	View Product
AR07 150W LED Area Light	Parking lots, campuses	150 LPW	$179	View Product
AR07 300W LED Area Light	Large parking, roadways	150 LPW	$469	View Product
FD06 LED Flood Light 15–35W	Accent, security, perimeter	135 LPW	From $91	View Product

→ Browse All DLC-Listed Commercial LED Fixtures

---

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I switch from prescriptive to custom after I've already submitted an application?

In most cases, no. Once a prescriptive application is submitted and approved, the rebate amount is locked in. Some utilities allow you to withdraw a prescriptive application and resubmit as custom before installation begins, but this is program-specific. Always evaluate both tracks before submitting anything.

2. Do all utilities offer both prescriptive and custom tracks?

No. Smaller utilities and rural electric cooperatives often offer only prescriptive programs. Custom tracks are more common at large investor-owned utilities (IOUs) and some municipal utilities with robust energy efficiency programs. Check DSIRE or contact the utility directly to confirm what's available.

3. What happens if my custom energy model overestimates savings?

If post-installation M&V shows that actual savings are lower than modeled, the utility will typically adjust the final rebate payment downward. This is called a clawback or true-up. It's one of the risks of the custom track, which is why conservative modeling and accurate baseline documentation matter.

4. Does DLC Premium listing guarantee rebate eligibility?

DLC Premium listing is a necessary but not always sufficient condition for rebate eligibility. Individual utility programs may have additional requirements—minimum wattage reductions, specific fixture categories, geographic restrictions, or application deadlines. Always verify eligibility against the specific program requirements, not just DLC status.

5. Can utility rebates be combined with the Section 179D tax deduction?

Yes, but the interaction requires careful handling. Rebate proceeds may reduce the depreciable basis of the equipment, which affects the 179D calculation. Work with a tax professional experienced in both programs before advising clients on combined benefits.

6. How long does a custom rebate application typically take to process?

Processing times vary widely by utility and program workload. Simple custom applications at well-staffed programs may process in 6–8 weeks. Complex applications at busy programs can take 4–6 months or longer. Factor this into project timelines and client expectations, especially if rebate proceeds are part of project financing.

7. Are there rebates available for outdoor LED area lights and parking lot fixtures?

Yes. Most utility rebate programs cover outdoor commercial fixtures including area lights, wall packs, and street lights. Prescriptive rates for outdoor fixtures typically range from $50–$200 per fixture depending on wattage and DLC tier. Custom tracks are less common for outdoor-only projects but may be available when controls are integrated.

8. What is the DLC Networked Lighting Controls (NLC) designation, and does it affect rebates?

DLC NLC is a separate certification for lighting control systems that meet specific performance and interoperability requirements. Some utility programs offer enhanced rebates for NLC-certified control systems, particularly on custom track applications. If your project includes a networked control system, check whether it carries NLC certification and whether the utility's program offers an NLC bonus tier.

9. Can a project qualify for rebates in multiple utility territories?

If a facility is served by a single utility, there's only one rebate program to navigate. For clients with facilities in multiple utility territories, each facility's project must be submitted to the relevant utility separately. There's no cross-utility rebate stacking, but each project can independently qualify for its utility's program.

10. What's the minimum project size that makes a custom rebate application worthwhile?

There's no universal threshold, but a practical rule of thumb: if the incremental rebate from custom vs. prescriptive is less than $10,000–$15,000, the modeling and M&V costs typically exceed the benefit. For projects where the incremental rebate exceeds $20,000, custom is almost always worth pursuing. The break-even point depends on your firm's modeling costs and the utility's M&V requirements.