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MCKENZIE connects members to UTILITY REBATES
ND Utility Rebate Program (click here)
Members, if you are thinking about making energy-efficiency improvements to your home or place of business, there is a great rebate program now available through the American Recovery & Reinvestment Act. More than $2 million has been set aside for electric cooperative members in North Dakota, making NOW the smartest, most economical time to make residential and commercial energy-efficiency improvements. The N.D. Department of Commerce launched the utility rebate program on June 1.
RESIDENTIAL REBATES
Residential members will be able to apply for more than one category of rebate, but the total residential rebate maximum is $5,000. Consider upgrading or retrofitting with Energy Star-rated products or renewable energy systems including an air-source heat pump, a central air conditioner, a water heater, a geothermal heat pump, and solar applications and wind turbines (subject to utility interconnect policy). Rebates are also available to help with the costs of an energy audit, and to add attic and wall insulation.
COMMERCIAL REBATES
Commercial members can apply for up to $15,000 in utility rebates on energy-efficient products and services including lighting, motors, central air conditioners, building recommissioning, custom design, energy audits, geothermal heat pumps, solar applications and wind turbines. (subject to utility interconnect policy). To receive certain commercial rebates, an applicant must include documentation that federally approved Davis-Bacon wages were paid on the project.
Both residential and commercial rebates also offer two demand response program rebates for thermalstorage central furnace with an air source heat pump and thermal storage water heater program. For program details, go to: www.ndarec.com
To take advantage of this generous rebate program:
1. Members and contractors should stop by McKenzie Electric Cooperative headquarters, or contact us.
2. Get the applicable rebate form,
3. Study the specific product requirements,
4. Talk to cooperative staff to make sure a product meets those specific requirements,
5. Ask our co-op to verify that there is still money available through the utility rebate program,
6. Purchase and install the energy-efficiency product, and
7. Fill out the rebate application and return the completed paperwork to McKenzie Electric Cooperative.
You must include a receipt that shows the date of purchase is June 1, 2010, or later. Once the paperwork is filled out and returned, it will then be submitted to the N.D. Association of Rural Electric Cooperatives (NDAREC), which will review the information for eligibility. NDAREC will then issue a rebate check and forward it on to McKenzie Electric for delivery to the consumer. All rebates will be handled on a first-come, first-served basis. The program is open to all electric co-op members in North Dakota. The program ends when the money runs out, or on Dec. 31, 2011, whichever comes first.
There are a few limitations to the utility rebate program. In order to be eligible for a rebate a consumer must purchase the equipment or product on or after June 1. Rebates are not available for federal, state or local government agencies, including public schools. And if members make energy-efficiency improvements prior to the launch of the program, they will not qualify for a retroactive rebate.
Some facilities are also ineligible for rebates, including swimming pools, golf courses, gambling establishments, aquariums and zoos.
This program, combined with current tax credits for energy efficiency and McKenzie¹s other rebate programs, will mean plenty of energy investment dollars going back into your pocket. There has probably never been a smarter time to make energy efficiency investments. By installing high-efficiency energy systems or renewable-energy technologies, McKenzie Electric members will save immediately with the rebates and credits and receive future benefits from lower energy bills.
As always, the member services department at McKenzie Electric is ready to help you, our member- owners. To learn how these stimulus rebates and other programs can benefit you, especially if you are considering energy-efficiency improvements, call (701) 444-9288 or (800) 584-9239.
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