Business Details
28 Years
experience
Trusted Energy Efficiency Solutions in San Antonio
Cost Containment Engineering, Inc. is a San Antonio, Texas-based engineering and consulting firm dedicated to reducing water and energy consumption for industrial, commercial, institutional, and governmental clients. Founded in 1998 by David Frashier, a licensed professional engineer with over 20 years of experience, the company specializes in energy efficiency improvements, utility audits, and sales tax exemption certifications. Our team leverages advanced techniques such as Energy Star ratings, Predominant Use Studies, and water conservation strategies to deliver measurable cost savings. We are licensed by the Texas Board of Professional Engineers and maintain professional liability insurance to ensure ethical, defensible service delivery. Our expertise extends to managing large-scale energy conservation programs and providing project management for small-scale construction projects up to $2 million.We collaborate with a network of specialized subcontractors to address complex client needs while maintaining a commitment to transparency, compliance, and client satisfaction. Our engineers hold advanced degrees in chemical and natural gas engineering, ensuring technical excellence across all projects. We prioritize cost-effective solutions that align with regulatory requirements, including Texas Comptroller Rule 3.295 for energy tax exemptions. Our services are designed to help clients achieve long-term sustainability goals while maximizing financial returns through energy efficiency improvements.
Services
Predominant Use Studies
Energy Star Certifications
Water Audits
Energy Audits
Utility Tax Exemptions
Project Management
Sales Tax Refund Assistance
Energy Efficiency Programs
Building Performance Analysis
Green Building Consulting
Details
- Year established: 1998
Highlights and features
- We have over 20 years of experience in energy efficiency and tax exemption studies.
- Our team includes licensed professional engineers with advanced degrees in chemical and natural gas engineering.
- We offer competitive pricing with firm, fixed-cost proposals for all projects.
- We maintain professional liability and workers' compensation insurance for client protection.
- Our services are supported by a network of specialized subcontractors for complex projects.
Associations and certifications
- Texas Board of Professional Engineers
- ENERGY STAR Partner
Services
Predominant Use Study
Our Predominant Use Studies determine eligibility for Texas sales tax exemptions on electricity and natural gas. We analyze utility meter usage to certify that over 50% of energy consumption supports tax-exempt operations. This service helps manufacturers, agricultural facilities, and residential complexes reduce energy costs by 6.25-8.25% while ensuring compliance with state regulations.
Energy Star Certification
We certify commercial and governmental buildings for ENERGY STAR labels by benchmarking energy performance against national standards. Our engineers identify efficiency improvements to achieve ratings above 75, qualifying buildings for recognition. This service enhances property value, attracts tenants, and reduces utility costs by 20-30% through data-driven conservation strategies.
Water Audits
Our water audits identify opportunities to reduce consumption and sewer costs for commercial clients. We design efficiency improvements tailored to industrial facilities, schools, and apartment properties. This service includes system assessments, retrofit recommendations, and cost-benefit analysis to maximize water savings while maintaining operational needs.
Utility Tax Exemption
We specialize in qualifying Texas facilities for energy sales tax exemptions under Comptroller Rule 3.295. Our engineers prepare documentation for electricity and natural gas meters serving manufacturing, agricultural, and residential operations. This service ensures compliance during audits and unlocks retroactive refunds up to four years, providing immediate financial benefits.
Project Management
We manage small-scale construction projects up to $2 million, focusing on energy efficiency upgrades. Our team coordinates subcontractors for system installations, retrofits, and infrastructure improvements. This service ensures timely, budget-conscious delivery of conservation projects while maintaining compliance with engineering standards and client specifications.
People
David Frashier
Principal / Co-Owner
Co-founded the company in 1998 with a B.S. in Chemical Engineering from Texas Tech University. Licensed professional engineer with over 20 years of experience in energy efficiency and tax exemption studies.
Victor Castillo
Principal / Co-Owner
Joined in 2023 with a B.S. in Mechanical Engineering from Texas A&M-Kingsville and a Master's in Natural Gas Engineering from the University of Oklahoma. Licensed professional engineer specializing in energy audits and conservation programs.
Questions
What is a Predominant Use Study?
An engineering analysis determining if over 50% of energy usage supports tax-exempt operations, qualifying facilities for Texas sales tax exemptions on electricity and natural gas.
How can Energy Star certification benefit my business?
It reduces utility costs by 20-30%, enhances property value, attracts tenants, and provides national recognition for energy-efficient operations through EPA-verified benchmarks.
Which facilities qualify for Texas energy tax exemptions?
Manufacturing plants, agricultural operations, assisted living facilities, apartment complexes, golf courses, and other commercial properties using energy for tax-exempt purposes.
Do you offer sales tax refund assistance?
Yes, we provide optional sales tax refund assistance for eligible facilities, including retroactive claims up to four years for qualified exemptions.
What areas do you serve?
We primarily serve Texas clients, including San Antonio, Austin, Houston, Dallas, and surrounding regions for energy efficiency and tax exemption services.
How are study costs determined?
Costs are based on facility size and complexity, typically lower than monthly electric bills. We provide firm, fixed-price proposals after reviewing operational details.
