BOULDER - Businesses and commercial property owners in Boulder County can apply for a new round of rebates for energy efficiency upgrades through the EnergySmart program.

Rebates totaling $250,000 will be available for business or commercial property projects completed between Jan. 1 and Apr. 15,or until funds are committed.

Boulder County, in collaboration with the cities of Boulder and Longmont and Boulder County Public Health, designed the EnergySmart program to address the barriers that residents and businesses face when considering energy efficiency projects. The program launched Jan. 25, 2011.

"We're pleased to be able offer these additional incentives to local businesses," said Boulder County commissioner Will Toor. "Although funding from the federal ARRA grant will run out in mid-2013, our municipal and county officials and staff are committed to helping businesses continue to implement energy efficient improvements throughout the New Year."

More than 500 businesses throughout Boulder County have implemented energy efficiency projects that will save them more than $11 million a year, according to a Boulder County press release. EnergySmart has awarded more than $1 million in rebates to businesses since November 2010, supporting the investment of more than $6.5 million in energy efficiency projects in commercial buildings.

EnergySmart is offering rebates to businesses and commercial property owners for more than 120 energy efficiency measures. Previously awarded rebates will not count toward caps in this round. Solar photovoltaic and other renewable energy measures are eligible for rebates for commercial properties that achieve 15 percent energy savings through EnergySmart.

More information is available at www.EnergySmartYES.com or by calling 303-441-1300.