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What if you found out there’s money sitting on the table? Money that could save your real estate project or put more cash in your pocket? In this episode, Steven talks with Charles de Jager, CEO of Energy Credit Consulting, about how energy incentives can help both developers and investors save big. Whether you're starting a new build or renovating an existing property, Charles explains how smart design choices can lead to major savings, sometimes even million-dollar payouts. He breaks down why utility companies are paying you to use less energy, how the rules work, and why most people don’t even realize this money is available. If you're a developer, owner, or investor, this episode will help you understand how energy credits affect your returns and what to ask your team to make sure you're not missing out.
Charles L. de Jager is the Founder and Principal Engineer at Energy Credit Consulting, a firm focused on helping property developers, real estate owners, and investors secure financial incentives and energy credits to reduce project costs and increase returns.
With a background in engineering and deep expertise in energy code compliance, Charles has worked with both large-scale developers and smaller ownership groups across the U.S. His company supports projects through energy modeling, utility rebate optimization, and strategic consulting during both design and post-construction phases.
Originally trained as an engineer, Charles is passionate about bringing clarity and cost-saving solutions to a space that’s often misunderstood or overlooked. He currently leads his team from Ocoee, Florida, and has helped clients capture millions in previously untapped incentives.
Connect with Charles:
Website: https://energycreditconsulting.com
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/charles-de-jager-053661143/
Episode highlights:
(0:00) Intro
(3:49) Meet Charles DeJager and his work in Energy Credit Consulting
(8:31) The real reason energy incentives exist
(11:01) Breaking down how power and subsidies work
(19:07) Two main types of incentives and how to access them
(23:44) How Charles helps property owners save upfront and get paid later
(31:30) When and how payouts happen
(39:52) Common misconceptions and real-world developer frustrations
(48:29) Charles’ unexpected path into the energy space
(56:34) How to get in touch and take the next step
(59:00) Outro
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