Q: How do I request a Power Wise Energy Audit?

A: Enrolling in Power Wise can be done online. Click here to sign up for the program and for access to enrollment forms. You can always contact us at info@gipl.org. 

Q: Why do you need 13 months of our past electric and natural gas energy bills before my congregation can receive a Power Wise Energy Audit?

A: The most recent 13 months of energy data that you send us before scheduling your Energy Audit will allow our professional energy auditor to calculate your baseline energy usage. They will also be able to analyze the efficiency of your heating and cooling system before arriving on site. Later, if you continue to track your energy use, your baseline will help you see how the energy improvements you make to your facilities are decreasing your energy usage.

Q: Why do I have to sign the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU)?

A: The Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) is a good-faith agreement between your congregation and GIPL. It is not however a legally binding document. This document details what is expected of each party when your congregation signs up for Power Wise, including how much your congregation has agreed to pay for the Energy Audit and what GIPL will provide in return.

Q: Where do I send my completed MOU? 

A: Completed forms should be scanned and emailed to hannah@gipl.org OR mailed to: Georgia Interfaith Power & Light, Attn: Hannah Shultz, 701 S. Columbia Drive, Campus Box 326, Decatur, GA 30030.

Q: How long does it take to schedule my Energy Audit?

A: Once we have received all the requested information, including the congregational background sheet, the MOU, and the past 13 months of your congregation’s natural gas and electric bills, a Power Wise Energy Audit can be scheduled in about a week or two. Regions along the coast or southern Georgia may take longer, since we try to obtain at least four energy audits in the region before sending the auditor. This saves on travel costs and reduces our environmental impact.

Q: Who needs to attend the Energy Audit?

A: It is important that one or more persons who have access to all areas of the buildings and who are familiar with the history of your congregation be present at the audit. Other interested congregation members are also welcome to come along on the Energy Audit. Some congregations have made the walk through energy audit a learning opportunity for their leadership, green teams and youth classes.

Q: What materials need to be available at the energy audit?

A: The most important document that should be available at the audit is a blueprint of your facilities. They make it easier for determining the correct number of lighting fixtures throughout the facility. The blueprints also provide useful information on other relevant structures. The blueprints are very helpful to the auditor for obtaining accurate square footage figures. The square footage is critical in determining kWh of electricity and therms of natural gas use per square foot. These ratios serve as useful benchmarks in estimating your overall energy use and efficiencies.

Q: How long does the Energy Audit take?

A: Generally, the on-site portion of the Energy Audit will be completed in two hours and consists of an evaluation of your attic and insulation, lighting needs and upgrades, heating and cooling unit operation and efficiency, and other items requested by the leadership.

Q: Who performs the Power Wise Energy Audits?

A: Gary Gabriel PE, CEM and LEED-AP performs all of our Power Wise Energy Audits. To date, he has performed over 150 Power Wise Energy Audits for GIPL. He has 27 years experience working on energy systems for schools, hospitals and houses of worship, and has been a licensed mechanical Professional Engineer for 22 years. His specialty is heating and cooling systems.