Cuivre River Electric | Rebate Programs

What's New About 2013 Rebates?

Cuivre River Electric Cooperative Energy Expert Kevin Hurd.

By Kevin Hurd

Manager of Member Services

Manager of Member Services Kevin Hurd is pleased to report that heat pump efficiency standards for rebate eligibility will remain at 2012 levels next year, as cooperative power supplier Associated Electric Cooperative, Inc. (AECI) works to balance efficiency gains with affordability.

AECI has announced the general criteria for 2013 rebates, including a few revisions and additions. Here's what's new:

Kwh minimum. One new feature restricts rebate eligibility to facilities that use a minimum of 6,000 kilowatt-hours (kwhs) of electricity each year. "The rebates were not intended for facilities that are unoccupied and seldom use energy, but this has not previously been stipulated," says Hurd. This annual energy use criteria will apply to HVAC and water heater rebate requests.

Floor insulation for GSHPs. A new insulation rebate is available to members installing Ground Source Heat Pumps (GSHPs) who also install basement, crawl space or slab floor insulation that meets current Energy Star® R-Value recommendations. A rebate of 50% of the cost ($500 rebate maximum) will be available to members who meet this criteria.

Mini-split ASHPs. Rebates of $150/Ton for mini-split Air Source Heat Pump (ASHPs) systems are also new in 2013. Systems must meet the same requirements as the current Dual Fuel Heat Pump (DFHP) program; no electric resistant heat is permitted and units must have a minimum 16.5 SEER rating. Mini-split systems are often installed to heat and cool room additions and previously unconditioned areas.

Here's what continues:

$50 rebates continue for 90%+ efficient standard electric tank-style water heaters (Tankless or Heat Pump/Hybrid units are not eligible for rebates).

$750 per Ton rebates for qualifying new GSHP installations continue, 19.1 EER, other conditions also apply. Replacement GSHPs may qualify for $150/Ton.

$150 per Ton rebates for qualifying Dual Fuel Heat Pump systems continue, 16.5 SEER minimum, supplemental gas or propane required, other conditions apply.

Hurd and Cuivre River's Member Services team will soon have more information available. Watch the Current Times for updates or visit www.cuivre.com for information about the 2013 program after January 1.

For information about 2012 rebates call 800.392.3709, ext. 272.

Rebates, Tax Credits Are Making A Difference

Cuivre River members' efforts for energy efficiency are making an impact on the demand for electricity, says Kevin Hurd, Manager of Member Services. Rebates and tax credits have nudged many families toward demand-reducing choices with lifetime benefits and energy savings.

"A lot of CFLs and rebates for select HVAC systems and appliances have contributed to the energy demand savings we see," says Hurd. Simple low-cost energy saving practices play a very important role as well, but are difficult to quantify.

The cooperative set a new summer peak demand of approximately 304 megawatts (MW) on July 21. Hurd says, "The peak could have been much higher considering the extreme temperatures and new industrial load added this summer."

$50 Rebate: Replace an existing electric water heater with an 90% + efficient standard electric water heater (tankless and Heat Pump/Hybrid units are not eligible).

Click on the link below to open the Water Heater Rebate Application.

Heat Pump Rebate Program

$750/Ton Ground Source Heat Pump
Qualifying new GSHPs are eligible for $750/Ton. Equipment must have a minimum 19.1 EER and meet other qualifications, including design conditions and insulation minimums. Replacement GSHPs may be eligible for $150/Ton.

$150/Ton Dual Fuel & Mini Split Heat Pump
Air Source and Mini Split Heat Pumps with supplemental gas or propane heat are eligible for $150/Ton. Equipment must be ENERGY STAR® Plus 2 rated with a minimum 16.5 SEER and meet other qualifications.

Basement/Crawl Space/Slab Insulation Rebate
Cooperative will refund 50% (up to $500) of the cost of the insulation when done in conjunction with the installation of a good source heat pump.

Rebate Numbers

Since the current rebates became available in mid-2008, Cuivre River members have received more than $1,926,325.00 through the program. This includes 2,573 rebates for 980 Energy Star clothes washers, 571 Energy Star dishwashers, 360 high-efficiency electric water heaters, 204 dual-fuel heat pumps and 460 ground source heat pumps. In addition, many members received free compact fluorescent light bulbs to improve home lighting efficiency by about 75%.

Hurd indicates that peak load studies indicate the push for improved efficiency is making a difference, reducing Cuivre River's overall demand for energy.

Federal Tax Credits Continue Through 2016

Tax credits for big-ticket improvements, including ground source heat pumps and both solar and wind energy systems, have a 30% federal tax credit with no upper limit through December 31, 2016.

To obtain details visit www.energysavers.gov or the Internal Revenue Service website. Many items require a written documentation that the item qualifies for a tax credit. To apply for the efficiency credits, use Tax Form #5695.

*Consult with your tax advisor on tax credit limits and qualifications.

Source: Rural Missouri News Service

For more information on the ENERGY STAR Federal Tax Credits for Energy Efficiency click on the link below.