Your energy bill is only going to get more expensive – so start thinking long-term and taking advantage of available options out there to help you manage your energy usage and costs.

Think tank Center for an Urban Future concluded in a recent report that few small business owners are aware of available energy incentive programs (“…shockingly few firms in the five boroughs have taken advantage of them”). At the same time, awareness and a willingness to act comes with substantial costs in time and resources. The programs won’t come running to you; in fact, you might have to play a bit of hide-and-seek.

Once found, the application process can dampen your morale. One common anxiety is the fear of being cheated out of benefits in a rental situation - why go through the hassle (and potentially shell out up-front costs) if the benefits will fall to the landlord or the next renter?

The rewards for persevering can be high. Businesses in the five boroughs pay more for electricity than anywhere else in the continental US and energy bills rank third in a survey of obstacles to growth. From the glass-half-full perspective, it behooves businesses to change their energy practices. Beyond the reduction of operating costs, it can provide opportunities to earn more revenue; bring improvements to workplace environment and productivity; boost competitiveness and enhance your brand.

If you’re concerned about the state of the planet, keep this global perspective in mind as well: even supporters of alternative energy agree that the easiest way to cut carbon emissions and air pollution is to focus more on efficiency.

So, how do you wade through the jungle of energy audits, financial incentives and tax credits to find one that’s right for you? I’ve collected and listed a number of website databases to help you get started. State agency NYSERDA (New York State Energy and Research Development Authority) has one straightforward program (Flextech) that conducts energy evaluations and recommendations for your office; Con Ed also has a similar program (who knew!).

If you decide that the incentive route is not for you, take matters into your own hands. Keep in mind that as much as half of the energy used in your office goes towards heating and cooling so being conscientious about HVAC systems can have big impacts on your utility bill and sidestep the rental issue. Some suggestions from the report include:

• Getting rid of old incandescent light bulbs and reaching for fluorescents
• Making sure windows and doors are properly installed and banishing drafts by sealing and insulating ducts
• Using Energy Star office equipment
• Swapping in air-conditioners for smaller models
• Installing ceiling fans to disperse heat
• Replacing old thermostats with programmable models
• Using occupancy sensors

Still too hard? Try these:

• Turn off lights when leaving the room
• Dim lights in areas lit by sunny windows
• Turn off computers at the end of the day
• Lower heat settings to 68 degrees; raise cooling settings to 74 degrees

This past Tuesday March 2nd, President Obama asked congress to approve the "HOMESTAR" program – informally known as “Cash for Caulkers” - which would reward people who buy energy-saving equipment with an on-the-spot rebate of $1,000 or more. This piece of legislation targets homeowners – but small businesses can’t be far behind.

Download the Center for an Urban Future’s report

Research NYSERDA’s programs

Energy efficiency goodness from ConEd

Dsire, database of energy incentives across the United States

OpenEI, an open-access, wiki platform to energy information

For Manhattanites south of Murray Street