### Question
What is the definition of operational cost savings?


### Answer
The definition of **operational cost savings** is as follows in *42 U.S.C. § 17061*:

> a reduction in end-use operational costs through the application of cost-effective technologies and practices or geothermal heat pumps, including a reduction in electricity consumption relative to consumption by the same customer or at the same facility in a given year, as defined in guidelines promulgated by the Administrator pursuant to section 7628(b) of this title, that achieves cost savings sufficient to pay the incremental additional costs of using cost-effective technologies and practices including geothermal heat pumps by not later than the later of the date established under sections 431 through 434,[1](#17061_1_target) or—


(i) for cost-effective technologies and practices, the date that is 5 years after the date of installation

#### Citation:
  - *42 U.S.C. § 17061*
  - Heading: **CHAPTER 152-ENERGY INDEPENDENCE AND SECURITY > SUBCHAPTER III-ENERGY SAVINGS IN BUILDINGS AND INDUSTRY**

