HUNTERSVILLE, N.C. — Lime Energy Co. announced that it has been awarded a three-year contract by AEP Ohio, a unit of American Electric Power, for the implementation of its Small Business Direct Install Program. The AEP Ohio program serves small commercial customers with annual consumption of less than 200,000 kWh and provides significant incentives to help offset the costs of implementing energy efficiency upgrades. According to Lime Energy, the performance-based contract has the potential to save participating small business customers over 30,000 MWh of annual energy usage. AEP Ohio provides service to over 1.5 million customers throughout the state.

Lime Energy will be the exclusive provider of comprehensive energy efficiency upgrades for the program and anticipates the creation of a number of energy efficiency jobs as a result of the contract. AEP Ohio will incentivize its small business customers to reduce energy waste and lower their monthly electric bills by paying up to 80 percent of the cost to complete a retrofit. “The revitalized Small Business Express Direct Install Program is part of AEP Ohio’s ongoing commitment to provide value to our customers,” said Al Kohler, program coordinator of AEP Ohio’s Express Program. “Implementing energy efficient technologies will allow small business owners throughout Ohio to create a better work environment and put money back in their pocket every month.”

“Lime Energy has been at the forefront of delivering energy efficiency through utility programs since 2009,” said John O’Rourke, president and CEO of Lime Energy. “Lime is excited to bring our innovative SBDI model to the Midwest. Our proven technology platform and our unparalleled small business marketing and sales experience will ensure the success of this program for AEP Ohio while delivering the highest level of satisfaction to their customers.”