Abstract: As utility-funded energy rebate programs expand across the South, universities have a timely opportunity to offset costs for both capital projects and infrastructure retrofits. But leveraging these funds requires thoughtful integration into two very different project environments: the structured long-range planning of new construction and the dynamic, often opportunistic world of tune-ups and system retrofits. In this session, rebate specialists at ICF (Georgia Power rebate implementors) and facilities professionals from the University of Georgia will demonstrate how they have developed a unified rebate strategy to streamline the rebate process and maximize the rebate amount. Attendees will gain practical tools to build or refine their own rebate programs—whether they sit in the Architect’s Office, Facilities Management, or a sustainability role.
1. Understand the Scope of Available Rebates: Learn about key rebate opportunities across capital construction and retrofit workstreams, and how universities can access these incentives.
2. Establish an Integrated Rebate Program: Discover how to build a coordinated in-house approach that connects capital planners, engineers, technical staff, and sustainability leaders.
3. Design with Rebates in Mind: Gain insights into planning and design practices that embed rebate opportunities into capital project workflows without compromising architectural or institutional standards.
4. Optimize Retrofit and Tune-Up Strategies: Explore lessons learned from retro-commissioning, lighting upgrades, HVAC tuning, and other efforts that extend the value of campus legacy infrastructure.
5. Streamline Processes Across Project Types: See how institutions can apply common tools, workflows, and partnerships to reduce administrative burdens and improve outcomes across both capital and operational energy projects.
Bio: Gordon received his undergraduate degree in Physics and enjoyed an early career in education in Britain before moving to Georgia in 2019. After receiving a Master’s degree in Engineering he started up the Commissioning Team at UGA’s Facilities Management Division in 2022 with a focus on campus-wide energy savings and also coordinates rebate applications for retrofit and tune-up work on campus.
Manny Gil is a seasoned energy management professional with over 16 years of experience at Georgia Power. A graduate of the University of Phoenix, Manny holds a degree in Business Management, which has provided a strong foundation for his leadership and operational expertise in the utility industry. Throughout his career, Manny has led numerous initiatives focused on optimizing energy efficiency, improving sustainability practices, and delivering innovative solutions for both commercial and residential clients. His strategic insight and commitment to excellence have earned hm recognition as a trusted advisor in energy management across Georgia
Deke Wiggins is a program manager at ICF where he has worked on commercial energy efficiency programs since 2016. He has been the prescriptive program manager of the Georgia Power Commercial Energy Efficiency Program (CEEP) since January 2023. Prior to joining the Georgia Power CEEP implementation team he was a senior account manager with the Dominion Energy South Carolina Commercial Energy Efficiency implementation team. Deke was an account manager and trade ally coordinator for ICF’s Georgia Power Commercial Energy Efficiency Rebate Program from 2016-19.
Athens, GA | October 6-10, 2025
