Duke Energy Proposes Annual Adjustment for Fuel Factor and Other Riders with North Carolina Utilities Commission: How Lodging Technology and GEM Link® Wireless Can Help

Lodging Technology

Duke Energy Carolinas has recently proposed an annual adjustment to its fuel and other riders with the North Carolina Utilities Commission. The proposed changes aim to adjust rates according to actual costs and reduce the need for future rate adjustments. This announcement could have an impact on energy costs for customers in the lodging industry. However, there are ways to mitigate these potential costs.

Lodging Technology offers a range of energy management solutions that can help hotel owners and operators reduce their energy consumption and costs. One such solution is the GEM Link® Wireless system, which enables hotels to monitor and control their HVAC and lighting systems. By using this system, hotels can optimize their energy usage based on physical occupancy levels and reduce energy waste. The GEM Link® Wireless system can also provide real-time data on energy consumption, allowing hotels to identify areas for further energy savings.

In addition to energy management solutions, Lodging Technology can also help hotels navigate the changing landscape of energy regulations and policies. As utilities like Duke Energy Carolinas adjust their rates, Lodging Technology can provide guidance on how to optimize energy usage and reduce costs.

For example, Lodging Technology can help hotels take advantage of renewable energy incentives and programs that may be available in their area. The proposed increase in the renewable energy rider charge by Duke Energy Carolinas highlights the importance of investing in clean energy sources. By partnering with Lodging Technology, hotels can explore options for installing renewable energy systems, such as solar panels, and receive guidance on how to apply for rebates and incentives.

Overall, the proposed annual adjustment for fuel and other riders with the North Carolina Utilities Commission is a reminder of the importance of energy management for the lodging industry. By using energy management solutions like GEM Link® Wireless and working with companies like Lodging Technology, hotels can reduce their energy consumption and costs while also promoting sustainability and environmental stewardship.

Lawmakers May Force Hotels to Maintain Warmer Temps During Summer, Cooler Temps During Winter to Promote Energy Conservation

Lodging Technology

As the world becomes increasingly aware of the environmental impact of climate change, many governments are taking steps to reduce carbon emissions and promote sustainable practices. For example, in the United States, lawmakers are considering a new bill requiring hotels to maintain warmer temperatures during the summer and cooler temperatures during the winter to conserve energy. However, this could pose a challenge for hotels that rely on manual controls to regulate room temperatures. That’s where Lodging Technology’s GEM Link® Wireless comes in.

GEM Link® Wireless is an innovative technology that allows hotels to control and monitor room temperatures, lighting, and other features. This wireless system can be installed in standard guestrooms in 35 – 40 minutes without wiring or structural changes. GEM Link® Wireless is unique among all occupancy sensor-based systems:

GEM Link® Wireless operates in the background behind any type of HVAC and thermostat without requiring constant monitoring and adjustment. If programmed parameters, such as Temperature Setback, need to be changed, it can be accomplished by maintenance with the Programmer Maintenance tool without entering the room.

Installation of GEM Link® Wireless allows hotels to achieve significant energy savings, reduce their carbon footprint, and comply with new regulations. In addition, the system allows for precise control of room temperatures while guests are out 65% of the day, so hotels can maintain optimal conditions while minimizing energy waste.

Moreover, GEM Link® Wireless offers hotel guests added convenience and comfort. The Room Status Scanner™ (RSS) feature allows housekeeping, maintenance, and security to determine from the hallway whether someone is physically present BEFORE knocking and disturbing guests while sleeping, showering, or dressing. In addition, GEM Link® can be programmed to turn off the 2-burner cooktop typically found in hotel suites to prevent sprinkler damage or fire and reset the electric water heater in a vacation condo or timeshare properties. A property’s insurance company may lower the premium.  

In conclusion, the proposed legislation to regulate hotel temperatures is a step towards reducing carbon emissions and promoting sustainable tourism practices. By adopting innovative technologies such as GEM Link® Wireless, hotels, and other facilities can comply with these regulations, achieve significant energy savings, and provide a better experience for their guests. Contact Lodging Technology today to learn more about our energy saving solutions.

179D Commercial Buildings Energy-Efficiency Tax Deduction

The 179D commercial buildings energy efficiency tax deduction primarily enables building owners to claim a tax deduction for installing qualifying systems and buildings. Tenants may be eligible if they make construction expenditures. If the system or building is installed on federal, state, or local government property, the 179D tax deduction may be taken by the person primarily responsible for the system’s design. The 179D tax deduction does not apply to other non-tax paying entities including but not limited to NGOs or churches unless there exists an energy-as-a-service agreement that is owned by a tax paying company. Please see IRS Notice 2008-40 or FAQs for additional information. The 179D tax deduction has been in effect since January 1, 2006, and is now a permanent program enacted as part of the Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2021 signed into law on December 27, 2020.

The following information is still applicable for properties placed into service on or before December 31, 2020. Updated information will be made available for properties placed into service on or after January 1, 2021, upon anticipated IRS Notice release.

A tax deduction of $1.80 per square foot is available to owners of new or existing buildings who install (1) interior lighting; (2) a building envelope; or (3) heating, cooling, ventilation, or hot water systems that reduce the energy and power cost of the interior lighting, HVAC, and service hot water systems by 50% or more in comparison to a building meeting minimum requirements set by ASHRAE Standard 90.1. Cost savings must be calculated using qualified computer software, which we link to below.

For properties placed into service on or before December 31, 2020, the energy and power cost shall be compared with the minimum requirements of ASHRAE Standard 90.1-2007. Projects placed into service on or after January 1, 2021, shall use the most recent Standard 90.1 affirmed no later than the date that is 2 years before the date that construction of the qualifying property begins, or the date the construction permit of the qualifying property is issued. Details and associated updates to this webpage are awaiting an anticipated IRS Notice.

Deductions up to $0.60 per square foot are available to owners of buildings in which individual lighting, building envelope, or heating and cooling systems partially qualify by meeting certain target levels or through the interim lighting rule. For properties placed into service on or before December 31, 2020, following IRS Notice 2012-26, choose the appropriate compliance pathway shown in the table below. Updates for properties placed into service on or after January 1, 2021, will be made available upon anticipated IRS Notice release.

Fully Qualifying PropertyIRS Notice (Effective Dates)*Envelope*HVAC and HW*Lighting*Interim Lighting Rule
Savings Requirements**50%2012-26
(3/12/12 – 12/31/20)		10%15%25%25%–40% lower lighting power density (50% for warehouses)
Tax Deduction (not to exceed cost of qualifying property)$1.80/ft² $0.60/ft²$0.60/ft²$0.60/ft²$0.60/ft² times applicable percentage***
SUMMARY OF 179D TAX DEDUCTIONS FOR PROPERTIES PLACED INTO SERVICE ON OR BEFORE DECEMBER 31, 2020

* Partially Qualifying Property

** Savings refer to the reduction in the energy and power costs of the combined energy for the interior lighting, HVAC, and hot water systems as compared to a reference building that meets the minimum requirements of ASHRAE Standard 90.1-2007 for properties placed in service on or before December 31, 2020.

*** The tax deduction is prorated depending on the reduction in Lighting Power Density (LPD). See IRS Notice 2006-52 for the definition of “applicable percentage.”

Below are links to qualified software and technical references that are required to calculate your tax deduction for properties placed into service on or before December 31, 2020. Updates will be made to qualified software and technical references for properties placed into service on or after January 1, 2021, upon anticipated IRS Notice release.

Systems and Buildings Placed in Service On or Before December 31, 2020

Qualified Software
DOE has an established process for qualifying software for modeling systems and buildings. The webpage lists qualifying software for projects placed in service on or before December 31, 2020.

Updates will be made for properties placed into service on or after January 1, 2021, upon anticipated IRS Notice release.

Resources

Energy Savings Modeling and Inspection Guidelines for Commercial Building Federal Tax Deductions for Buildings 2016–2020, published by NREL, provides guidelines for the modeling and inspection of energy savings required by the statute for buildings and systems placed in service on or before December 31, 2020. Additional resources will be added for properties placed into service on or after January 1, 2021, upon anticipated IRS Notice release.

IRS Notice 2012-26 provides an additional set of energy savings percentages that taxpayers may use to qualify for a partial 179D deduction under the permanent rule for property placed in service on or after the effective date of the notice.

IRS Notice 2008-40 sets forth additional guidance relating to the deduction for energy-efficient commercial buildings under 26 U.S.C. 179D and is intended to be used with Notice 2006-52.

IRS Notice 2006-52 established a process to allow taxpayers to obtain a certification that the property satisfies the energy efficiency requirements contained in 26 U.S.C 179D

Original article

Bay Gardens Resorts Win Sustainability Awards in St Lucia

Lodging Technology Customer Re-Certified as “Green Globe Gold” Property

Bay Gardens Resorts Win Sustainability Awards in St. Lucia

Bay Gardens Inn
Bay Gardens Hotel
Bay Gardens Beach Resort & Spa

Green Globe member Bay Gardens Resorts has won two sustainability awards in acknowledgement of their ongoing best practices and green efforts

LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA, UNITED STATES, May 14, 2021

/EINPresswire.com/ — Green Globe recently recertified three Bay Gardens Resorts1 – Bay Gardens Inn, Bay Gardens Hotel and Bay Gardens Beach Resort & Spa in the Caribbean. The resorts retain their Gold status in 2021.

Laudra Maurille-Willie, Human Resource Manager at Bay Gardens Resorts said, “Our Bay Gardens Resorts family remains steadfast in our dedication to embracing and implementing best practices which protect and preserve the environment. We continue to work collaboratively to accelerate initiatives which promote the sustainable development of small island developing states. We envision becoming a leader in sustainably providing innovative, authentic Caribbean hospitality by developing our team members’ skills as well as enhancing the communities around us.”

In 2019, Bay Gardens Resorts won two sustainability awards in acknowledgement of their ongoing best practices and overall green efforts. At the annual 2019 St. Lucia Business Awards held by the St. Lucia Chamber of Commerce, Industry and Agriculture, Bay Gardens Resorts won the Environmental Stewardship Award for their green initiatives. This included their reduction of single-use plastics, decreasing energy usage and boosting the use of locally sourced produce in kitchens. This is the resorts’ ninth business award and its first Environmental Stewardship award win.

Bay Gardens Resorts was also announced as Runner-up in the Environmental Sustainability category at the 2019 Caribbean Hotel and Tourism Association’s Caribbean Hospitality Industry Exchange Forum (CHIEF) Awards in Miami, Both these wins were a resounding success for management and staff at all three resorts.

In the same year, Bay Gardens Resorts was the first resort group to be certified Gold status by Green Globe in St. Lucia. Bay Gardens Inn, Bay Gardens Hotel and Bay Gardens Beach Resort & Spa are recognized for their sustainability initiatives, many of which set new standards in the Caribbean for green tourism. 

Reducing Single-use Waste
As part of the resorts’ waste management strategy, initiatives have included the successful phase out of single-use plastics in favour of biodegradable vessels and utensils made from wood, paper, compostable plastic or sugar cane bagasse. This eco-friendly approach was expanded to include Polystyrene (Styrofoam)products that are no longer in use at any of the properties. Furthermore, environmentally friendly soap dispensers have replaced single-use plastic bottles at all properties.

Energy Conservation
Other ecological innovations include GEM Link® Wireless occupancy sensors in guest rooms (from Lodging Technology), which reduce energy for each occupied room by 30%. Converting air conditioners to energy-efficient inverter (mini-split) units also conserves energy as does lighting that is being upgraded to LEDs across all properties.

St. Lucia Economic Development
To stimulate regional economic development and minimize environmental impacts at the island resorts, a farm-to-table menu has been started to reduce total food miles.

About Bay Gardens Resorts
Bay Gardens Resorts is a group of locally owned and operated award-winning hotels all located within, or near, Rodney Bay Village, St. Lucia’s entertainment capital. All five of Bay Gardens Resorts’ properties – Bay Gardens Inn, Bay Gardens Hotel, Bay Gardens Beach Resort & Spa, Bay Gardens Marina Haven, and Waters Edge by Bay Gardens Resorts – are close to more than 40 restaurants, entertainment venues, duty-free shopping malls, Treasure Bay Casino and Rodney Bay Marina. All properties offer comfortable accommodations, traditional Caribbean cuisine, and warm Caribbean service and hospitality. Bay Gardens’ Splash Island Water Park, the first open water sports park in the Eastern Caribbean, is a popular attraction off St. Lucia’s Reduit Beach.

For further information, visit www.baygardensresorts.com2.

About Lodging Technology

John Centeno, National Sales Director, provided and coordinated the installation of GEM Link® Wireless energy management controls at all three Bay Gardens Resorts.  Centeno brings many years of experience to Lodging Technology working with hoteliers throughout the Caribbean.  John stated, “GEM Link® brings a unique advantage to the Caribbean hotelier as many of these hotels are fitted with a wide variety and different brands of high wall mini-split units.  The versatility of GEM Link® offers a distinct advantage in that one system can connect to and control any HVAC unit, of any voltage, of any age, with any type thermostat.”

William Fizer, President of Lodging Technology and inventor of infrared occupancy sensor-based hotel energy conservation, said, “We are pleased that GEM Link® Wireless was selected by Bay Gardens Resorts as a means to significantly reduce energy expense and carbon footprint.  We welcome Bay Gardens Resorts into our 40th year of producing Effective • Reliable • Versatile energy saving products.


About Green Globe Certification
Green Globe is the worldwide sustainability system based on internationally accepted criteria for sustainable operation and management of travel and tourism businesses. Operating under a worldwide license, Green Globe is based in California, USA and is represented in over 83 countries. Green Globe is an Affiliate Member of the United Nations World Tourism Organization (UNWTO). For information, please visit www.greenglobe.com

Contact:
Laudra Maurille-Willie
Human Resource Manager
Bay Gardens Resorts
Reduit Beach
Rodney Bay Village
Castries
SAINT LUCIA
T: +1758.457.8516  
E: hrmanager@baygardensresorts.com
W: www.baygardensresorts.com

Bradley Cox
Green Globe
+1 310-337-3000
email us here

1 https://www.baygardensresorts.com/

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