Utility Rebates for Energy-Efficient Homes

Written by April Reinhardt (last updated September 28, 2020)

Did you know that most local energy companies provide energy rebates for homeowners? In an effort to encourage the population to use more energy-efficient appliances and lighting, utility companies all over the United States fund various rebate programs for upgrades, new appliance purchases, and construction projects. The rebates help to offset the initial cost of energy-efficient appliances. Also available are low-interest loads for residential customers. Some utilities have programs in place that will even help pay for improvements that reduce overall connective load on kilowatt usage. And then some utility companies have energy assistance programs that provide monies to help pay for window treatments, insulation and lining, and air conditioning. There are many rebates available from your local utility company to help make your home more energy-efficient.

Yet, as with all rebates, if you don't follow the fine print of the rebate, you might be waiting in vain for the check to show up in your mailbox. Here are some things that you should know about energy rebates offered by utility companies:

  • Of all of the rebate options available, it is likely that you will only be permitted to use one. So, it makes sense to choose the one rebate that will be the most lucrative for your situation. Research your options, the requirements for each, and then choose the one from which you will gain the most benefit.
  • If you hire contract labor for your home improvement project, make sure that you are the one who will receive the rebate or incentive, instead of the contractor. In some instances, a third party is permitted to apply for the incentive credit or rebate. As part of your negotiation with your contractor, address the topic of utility rebates and incentives.
  • Realize that most utility companies will send checks to the person whose name appears on the utility bill. Perhaps you're expanding your property, requiring another electrical meter. Since the contractor applies for the meter in his name, any rebate check will be addressed to him. You may need to supply an affidavit to the utility company, signed by you and the contractor, stipulating who will get any rebate or incentive check.

File for your rebates as soon as possible. Check expiration dates, closing dates, filing requirements, and ask for a website address to check the progress of your rebate. When you contact your utility company to ask about rebates and incentive programs, get the name of the person who gives you the information. That way, if you cannot check your rebate status online, you will have a name to ask for when you call for a status.

Author Bio

April Reinhardt

An admin­istrator for a mutual fund man­age­ment firm, April deals with the writ­ten word daily. She loves to write and plans to author a memoir in the near future. April attend­ed More­head State Uni­ver­sity to pursue a BA degree in Ele­men­tary Edu­ca­tion. ...

MORE FROM APRIL

Treating Female Hair Loss

Since the beginning of time, a woman's hair has been hailed as her crowning glory. Most times, women define who they are ...

Discover More

Landscaping With Natural Grasses

If you're sick and tired of your high maintenance lawn, consider replacing it with natural or ornamental grasses. ...

Discover More

Getting Rid of Gnats

To control a gnat population naturally, allow your houseplants to dry out as much as possible and then apply sticky traps ...

Discover More

Find the Right Tool Right Away Finally, a homeowner's set that includes all the tools needed to complete basic DIY projects at an affordable price! The tools are stored in a molded case for security and portability. Check out Stanley 65-Piece Homeowner's Tool Kit today!

More Home Improvement Tips

Choosing the Right Compact Fluorescent Lights

If you can't find the right CFL at your local hardware or home improvement store, perform an online search and you will ...

Discover More

Conserving Water in the Home

Have you ever noticed how the water bill seems to be getting more and more expensive as time goes by? Well instead of ...

Discover More

Saving Energy in Your Home

Saving energy in your home is not just a good idea when you are looking to save some money on your energy bills. By ...

Discover More
Comments

If you would like to add an image to your comment (not an avatar, but an image to help in making the point of your comment), include the characters [{fig}] (all 7 characters, in the sequence shown) in your comment text. You’ll be prompted to upload your image when you submit the comment. Maximum image size is 6Mpixels. Images larger than 600px wide or 1000px tall will be reduced. Up to three images may be included in a comment. All images are subject to review. Commenting privileges may be curtailed if inappropriate images are posted.

What is five more than 3?

There are currently no comments for this tip. (Be the first to leave your comment—just use the simple form above!)