Turn Employees Into Experts
To optimize energy efficiency, a building operator must understand the complexities of interdependent building systems—HVAC motors, frequency drives, lighting—and how they work together.
Building operator education courses provide the tools and knowledge necessary to keep your building running at its cost-efficient, energy-efficient best.
Incentives covering up to 80% of enrollment costs or a maximum of $1,000 per course make signing up an easy decision.
Courses That Build Skills
These information-packed courses focus on energy-saving improvements such as upgrading and replacing variable frequency drives, lighting, and lighting controls.
These courses are designed for operations and maintenance professionals with at least two years of experience in the SMECO region—including building engineers, maintenance supervisors, HVAC technicians, and electricians.
Who Is Eligible
Eligibility for a financial incentive is based on work experience and education, as well as completion of courses, examinations, and on-the-job projects. To participate in the program and receive a financial incentive, you must be:
- Assigned to work at a commercial and/or industrial facility within the SMECO service territory and be present at that facility for at least 50% of your working hours.
- In a position of responsibility for the facility’s energy management or have the potential to influence the building’s energy performance.
If you are a contractor, a representative of the SMECO customer must provide a letter, on company letterhead, stating that you are assigned to work at the customer’s facility and that the SMECO customer supports your participation in the Building Operator Education Program.
Available Courses
The Design, Operation, and Maintenance of Building Systems, Part I
The Design, Operation, and Maintenance of Building Systems, Part II
Air Handling, Water Treatment, and Plumbing Systems
Energy Management and Controls
Refrigeration Systems and Accessories
Electrical Systems and Illumination
Performance Sustainable Building Principles
High-Performance Sustainable Building Practices
High-Performance Sustainable Building Investments
Fundamentals of Facilities Management
Boilers, Heating Systems, and Applied Mathematics
Association of Energy Engineers
- Certified Energy Manager
- Certified Energy Manager in Training
- Certified Building Commissioning Professional
- Certified Lighting Efficiency Professional
- Existing Building Commissioning Professional
- Certified Business Energy Professional
- Certified Energy Auditor
- Energy Efficiency Practitioner
- Certified Commissioning Authority
- The Design, Operation, and Maintenance of Building Systems, Part I
- The Design, Operation, and Maintenance of Building Systems, Part II
- Air Handling, Water Treatment, and Plumbing Systems
- Energy Management and Controls
- Refrigeration Systems and Accessories
- Electrical Systems and Illumination
- High-Performance Sustainable Building Principles
- High-Performance Sustainable Building Practices
- High-Performance Sustainable Building Investments
- High-Performance Sustainable Building: HVAC Optimization
- Fundamentals of Facilities Management
- Boilers, Heating Systems, and Applied Mathematics
- Building Operator Certification® Level I
- Building Operator Certification® Level II
- Fundamentals of Energy Efficient Building Operations
- Commercial Building Re-Tuning
- Energy Management Professional
International Association of Lighting Management Companies
- Certified Apprentice Lighting Technician
- Certified Senior Lighting Technician
International Facility Management Association
- Certified Facility Manager
Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design
- LEED-AP-O&M: Accredited Professional Certification (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design – Building Operations & Maintenance)
- LEED-AP BD&C: Accredited Professional Certification (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design – Building Design Construction)
National Association of Power Engineers
- Plant Equipment and Operations
- Air Conditioning I, II, III
- Heat Pumps
- Refrigeration
- Electric Motor
- The Engineer & Management
- Environmental Impact & Engineering
- Controls
- Energy Savings M&V Fundamentals & IPMVP (PMVA)
Ready to Learn?
Follow the steps below to apply for your incentive.
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- Determine which training you want to take.
- Choose one or more courses from the list of approved options.
- Or, you can propose a course or certification not currently offered. Submit the course information and all necessary documentation to SMECO at business@smeco.coop. Pre-approval is required. Please allow approximately 10 business days to receive notice of course eligibility.*
- Complete the BOE incentive application and submit it to SMECO at business@smeco.coop, along with all necessary documentation. SMECO will review your eligibility to participate.
- After you’re approved, you may attend the courses.
- Within 30 days of completing the courses, submit the invoice and provide a copy of the certificate of completion or other documentation from the instructor, organization, school, or company administering the course.
- Once SMECO receives all necessary documentation, an incentive payment will be processed. Payment typically occurs 6–8 weeks after final approval.
- Determine which training you want to take.
*Only courses with a concentration on electrical energy conservation within buildings are eligible for incentives; those focusing on energy sources such as gas or water conservation are not. Courses may be offered outside the local area.
Explore More
Questions?
Get answers. Call 877-818-4094 for more information or email business@SMECO.coop.
EmPOWER Maryland programs are funded by a charge on your energy bill. EmPOWER programs can help you reduce your energy consumption and save you money. Learn more about EmPOWER and how you can participate.