There's a Rebate for That

Published August 10, 2017 When we give presentations to groups around the state, one of our favorite money saving tips is to take advantage of rebates and discounts offered by your local utility. CUB has a handy online tool to help you find those rebates. Here is a brief explanation of why it makes so much sense to apply for a rebate and some examples of the types of rebates available. Rebates serve as an incentive to purchase energy efficient items for your home. Buying an energy efficient item not only benefits your household through lower energy usage and bills, but it helps the entire system. Less demand for energy reduces emissions and can reduce the need for additional power plants, which saves money for everyone in the long run. Through a state program called the Conservation Improvement Program (CIP), utilities add small charges to bills and use the funds promote energy efficiency.  A popular way CIP funds are used is to offer rebates on energy-efficient devices, appliances, and mechanical systems. By buying an energy efficient item, utility customers save money upfront with a rebate and save additional money through the years by using less energy. Each utility administers its CIP program differently, so check with your utility regarding the specific rebates offered - check out their website or give them a call.  Here are some common examples of items for which utilities may provide rebates. •   Water heater •   Furnaces, boilers, ground source heat pump •   Air conditioner, air source heat pump •   Programmable thermostats •   Energy Star rated appliances (e.g. refrigerator, freezer, dishwasher, washing machine, clothes     dryer) •   LED or CFL Lighting, lighting fixtures •   Insulation, air sealing If you are the market for any of these items now or in the next few years, definitely see if there is a rebate available. Sometimes funds are limited, so don’t put it off. Additionally, there are often deadlines, so follow the instructions and turn in paperwork on time. You are helping pay for the rebate through your utility bill, so take advantage of it and enjoy ongoing money savings from being more energy efficient!