Frequently asked questions
Below are the answers to some common questions. Please contact us if you don’t find an answer here.
We lease our sites, does that matter?
No, Metrus can finance projects at both leased and customer owned sites. Our portfolio of operational projects contains a diverse mix of leased and owned sites throughout the U.S.
What is a large energy user?
For Metrus, a large energy user spends greater than $1 million annually on energy.
We have sites all across the U.S., do you work in every state?
Yes, we operate nationwide and the Metrus SESA works in every state. We currently have operational projects in 26 different states.
We are a public agency and don’t want to use debt to pay for energy projects. Do we have to take out any debt?
No, our SESA is off-balance sheet and payments to Metrus can be treated as an operating expense and not debt. Metrus pays 100% of the upfront project costs so that you do not have to take out debt or incur any capital expense.
If a project doesn’t wind up providing savings, are we on the hook?
No, Metrus assumes project performance risk. Customers only pay for realized savings according to the agreed upon measurement & verification (M&V) protocols.
We are a private company with no public credit rating, would this work for us?
Yes, we’d welcome a discussion and have proven solutions that allow us to work with unrated customers. Initial steps would be to review your last three-years of audited financial statements and to talk with your management team to see what might be possible.
What happens at the end of the term of the contract?
At the end of the contract term, there are three options: the customer can extend the contract, purchase the equipment at fair market value or terminate the SESA and ask Metrus to remove the equipment.
Can I work with any contractor I choose to install the project?
Metrus is flexible and works with a wide range of contractors and ESCOs. For contractors we haven’t worked with before, we have a standard process to screen and approve new groups.
Does Metrus manufacture system components or develop monitoring software?
No, Metrus provides its customers with an open, unbiased platform that is equipment agnostic. We do not push products or take a “one-size fits all” approach when it comes to installing efficiency measures and clean energy technologies under our projects.
How is this different than a performance contract?
The SESA is a true third-party ownership solution that is off-balance sheet to customers. It is a pay-for-performance structure that is similar to a solar power purchase agreement (PPA) where customer payments go up and down based on measured savings. Under a SESA, Metrus underwrites projects to 100% of expected savings rather than the typical 90% for a performance contract. Lastly, Metrus works to ensure project equipment is procured at competitive prices.
How will I be billed?
Once a project is operational, customers make quarterly payments based on realized savings. Metrus will provide customers with an annual measurement & verification report that details the units of energy and water saved. Metrus earns a return based on the project savings and does not mark-up or add margin to any of the project costs.
Who do I call if a project component fails?
We provide a designated service representative for all of our customers. Your Account Manager will proactively check in with you and respond quickly if any issues arise.
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