Upgrade your small business and save
Small businesses can earn enhanced incentives for making electric and natural gas energy efficiency improvements in existing buildings. The Small Business Direct Install (SBDI) program is designed to encourage energy-saving projects involving the installation of new, high-efficiency equipment or systems. Updates must be installed by a program-approved SBDI Trade Ally.
How to participate
Step 1 - Contact a Trade Ally
Contact a program approved SBDI Trade Ally to help you identify energy efficiency opportunities. The Trade Ally will conduct a walk-through of your facility and identify potential energy-saving upgrades.
Need help finding an approved SBDI Trade Ally? Call a TRC program representative at 1-800-299-2501.
Step 2 - Submit Application
Your approved SBDI Trade Ally will complete and submit the application. Please provide them with the following required documentation:
- Product specifications of efficient equipment
- Project invoices
- Tax exempt letter (if applicable)
Step 3 – Application Review
Applications are reviewed in the order that they are received. Complete applications are processed for review within three (3) business days of submission.
Step 4 – Receive Incentive Payment
Incentive Checks typically arrive within 6-8 weeks and will be paid to the SBDI Trade Ally or the customer.
Have Questions? To speak with a program representative, call TRC toll free at 1-800-299-2501 (Monday – Friday, 8 a.m.-5 p.m. CT). You can also find a TRC Field Engineer* in your area.
What type of projects qualify?
Eligible projects consist of a one-for-one retrofit or replacement of existing equipment/systems with efficient equipment. Projects can include lighting, refrigeration, HVAC, steam traps and spray valves. For a full list of measures and eligibility requirements, click here.
All projects must be completed by November 16, 2025 to be eligible for current 2025 incentives. Projects submitted after this date are subject to 2026 incentives and requirements. Applications must be submitted within 90 days of measure(s) installation.
Who qualifies?
Eligible electric customers are those served under rates 520, 521, 522 or 523, who have not had a billing demand of 200 kW or greater in any month during the previous 12 months. Eligible natural gas customers are those served under rates 321, 325 or 351 (NIPSCO’s DependaBill rate).
Customers participating in the Midstream Channel by purchasing qualifying equipment from a participating dealer, are not eligible to participate in the Prescriptive/Custom Program or any other NIPSCO program for an incentive on the same piece of purchased equipment.
Trade Ally Information
Our Trade Allies can help you get started today! Trade Allies are suppliers, firms or contractors that are involved in the installation of high-efficiency equipment or systems and have been pre-approved by TRC. Find a Trade Ally* for your project. Interested in being a part of our Trade Ally Network? Complete and submit the Trade Ally Application*.Related Information
Program Administration
NIPSCO’s energy efficiency programs are administered by TRC, a third-party implementation specialist that helps homes and businesses save energy.
Third-party Links*
* Clicking on the above link takes the user to web pages operated and maintained by a third-party provider of energy efficiency and energy saving services not owned by or affiliated with NIPSCO. The link is provided as a convenience by NIPSCO, and NIPSCO does not make any representations or warranties regarding the security of the website or the provision of goods and services by the third-party provider. NIPSCO disclaims any and all liability that may arise from the use of third-party websites.
