New Rebate Program Encourages Practical Efficiency Steps for All Members

By Brianna Wall | Editor & Creative Director

OEC's board of trustees approved a new and improved rebate program for 2019 that has a little something for everyone who wants to make their homes more energy efficient. From programmable thermostats to heat pumps, we’re offering members an array of rebates that will help lessen the burden of sometimes costly retrofit work.

NEW ADDITIONS TO THE REBATE PROGRAM

“One of the most beneficial steps you can take to making your home more energy efficient is installing a programmable thermostat,” said Energy Efficiency Solutions Specialist Daniel Lofland. “One that has the ability to set schedules for your HVAC equipment will help save a lot of money in the long run.”

Members who upgrade to a programmable thermostat after Jan. 1, 2019 are eligible for a rebate up to $50 (receipt required, limit two per household). In many cases, that covers the entire cost of the thermostat.

“As we approach summer, you will hear us talk more about how a programmable thermostat can make a huge impact on your energy bills, especially if there is no one home during the day,” said Lofland.

You have likely heard us talk about water heater timers, as well. Water heater timers purchased and installed after Jan. 1, 2019 that are programmed to turn off from 3 p.m. to 7 p.m. during OEC’s Peak Power months (June 1 to Aug. 31) are eligible for up to a $50 rebate (receipt required, limit two per household).

Upon completion of a successful pilot period in 2018, members with electric vehicles (EV) may also take advantage of our newly-restructured rebate program. Members who own an EV and have a level 2 charging station installed are eligible for a $200 rebate.

“The level 2 charging station must be scheduled to charge the EV between 10 p.m. and 6 a.m.,” said Lofland. “Scheduling to charge during these times helps ensure that our rates continue to stay affordable.”

REBATES FOR NEW CONSTRUCTION, GAS-TO-ELECTRIC CONVERSION

Members who are building new homes or are looking to convert from gas to all-electric, this one is for you.

If your newly-constructed home is complete on or after Jan. 1 and meets four criteria, you are eligible for a $500 rebate.

The criteria include:

• Minimum 15 SEER heat pump

• Electric water heater

• At least 85 percent LED lighting

• Home must meet state minimum energy code

Members must have a copy of the AHRI (Air-Conditioning, Heating & Refrigeration Institute) certificate to qualify. This information should be provided by your heat pump installer, or visit www.AHRIdirectory.org for more information.

If you are only looking to convert an appliance or two from gas to electric, we have you covered, too. Conversion of a gas water heater qualifies members for a $300 rebate, and conversion of gas heat or furnace to a heat pump qualifies members for a $500 rebate.

Is your heating system electric resistance? If so, it is terribly inefficient and can be a main cause of high winter bills. In light of that, we now offer a $400 rebate for conversion from electric resistance heat (heat strips) to a qualifying heat pump.

Keep in mind that simply upgrading a current heat pump to a new one does not qualify for a rebate.

Speaking of heat pumps, continued research shows geothermal is the way to go for folks looking to make the most savings on their energy use. Members who upgrade to a geothermal heat pump from an air-source heat pump or gas furnace — or new construction that includes geothermal — are eligible for a $500 per ton rebate (five ton cap). To qualify, equipment must be AHRI certified (certificate required) and members must present the invoice from the installation company.

WHY THE CHANGES TO THE REBATE PROGRAM?

The updates to OEC’s rebate program come after careful monitoring of new technologies and research on what is best for our members. They encourage members of all kinds to take control of their energy use and help lower costs across the board.

“Our electric rates are determined by a few of the hottest days in the summer, at specific times of those days,” said Lofland. “If, during those times of days, we can help our members curb their energy use to avoid everyone’s appliances operating at full capacity, our rates will continue to stay affordable.”

Visit www.okcoop.org/rebates or contact Daniel Lofland at daniel.lofland@okcoop.org for more information.