Representatives from Varigee, including Rick Anderson and Paul Wills, presented to Jefferson County commissioners on Jan. 8 about energy-performance projects that bundle lighting, HVAC, building envelope, controls and solar work under a guaranteed-savings contract (citing Indiana Code IC 36-1-12.5). Anderson outlined recent local projects and urged the county to consider assessments to determine potential savings and eligibility for Inflation Reduction Act incentives.

Anderson said such guaranteed-savings contracts require the vendor to refund shortfalls if projected savings do not materialize and noted that the federal Inflation Reduction Act could provide “30 to 40%” of investment back for some technologies if work begins promptly. Following discussion about applying projects across county buildings and the county’s upcoming new jail and courthouse needs, Speaker 2 moved to conduct an assessment of county facilities; Speaker 1 seconded and the motion passed by voice vote. Varigee said the assessment would be performed at no cost to the county and return an initial report in about six weeks to two months.

County staff directed Varigee to work with county facilities staff (identified in the meeting as "Mike") to arrange access and to provide a revised contract for review before any contract signatures.