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.