Clean Energy Springfield

I'd like to build on Greg’s recent post, which highlights CWLP’s efforts to “super-charge” its Insulation Rebate Program. I bet you’ve heard the commercials on the radio or seen the advertisements in the SJR about this enhanced program. It’s good to see that CWLP is making a concerted effort to market the program and hopefully more residents will take advantage of the rebate.

Let's focus on the energy rebate concept for a minute. Rebates for energy efficienct products are usually designed to encourage the purchase and accelerate the market penetration of specific products. According to the U.S. Department of Energy, most rebate programs target appliances and equipment meeting Energy Star® standards, which are typically 10%-30% more efficient than most products. Rebates of $50 and $75 per unit for new energy- and water-saving clothes washers and dryers have been especially popular.

I decided to a check around and find out if other utilities provide rebates for energy efficient products. Below is a sampling of rebate programs that are offered in other parts of the country, courtesy of the Database of State Incentives for Renewables & Efficiency web site.

 The Long Island Power Authority offers residents a rebate of $2 for the purchase of LED lights, with a limit of ten packages of lights per customer.
 The Fort Collins Utilities offers a $50 cash rebate for Energy Star clothes washers.
 Aquila, a Kansas City-based electric and natural gas distribution company, offers a $2/watt DC rebate for the installation of on-site photovoltaic systems (up to 10 kW).
 The Cedar Falls Utilities offers a $200 rebate for central air conditioners (14 SEER or higher).
 The Ozark Border Electric Cooperative (MO) offers $150/ton rebates (up to $900) for geothermal heat pumps.
 The Osage Municipal Utilities (IA) has offered rebates for air conditioner and furnace tune-ups.

As you can see, there are significant opportunities for CWLP to grow its energy rebate program. Let’s hope the utility is planning to roll out rebates for other energy efficienct products in the near future. They've proved to be effective in helping customers save energy and money.