Energy Efficiency
Save Energy and $$$ With SMU & ENERGY STAR
Spencer Municipal Utilities is an official ENERGY STAR® Partner! We're working with the US Department of Energy and the EPA to encourage customers to look for the ENERGY STAR® label when shopping for appliances, heating and air conditioning, and lighting! And to make it even easier for customers to choose efficiency, SMU offers rebates for saving energy!
2013 Rebate Forms (these must be turned in to SMU within 60 days of invoice or project completion).
*All rebates must have a copy of the receipt of purchase
2013 Residential Rebate Form, click here.
2013 Commercial Rebate Form, click here.
Tax Credits of Energy Efficiency Improvements
The tax credit for ground source (geothermal) heating and cooling remains at 30% through 2016. For a summary of available tax credits, click here.
2013 SMU Resource Conservation Incentive Program
The SMU Resource Conservation Incentive Program provides financial incentives to encourage customers to make improvements to their homes or businesses that save energy and water.
2013 Resource Conservation Brochure, click here.
Complete 2013 Resource Conservation Program, click here.
Energy Depot for Homes
SMU offers an exciting, interactive tool to customers interested in saving energy in their home. It's called Energy Depot for Homes, and it's absolutely free to SMU customers!
Spencer Municipal Utilities now offers Home Energy Assessments to customers that heat their home with electricity (heat pump or resistance heat). SMU's energy advisor will visit your home to determine the characteristics of your home's energy usage. Based on the information gathered in the audit, SMU will provide a customized report recommending measures that may be taken to save energy in your home.
The cost of a Home Energy Assessment is $100.00 and will be charged to the customer's utility account. The audit cost may be rebated if as a result of the audit you implement the recommendations made in the assessment report
Insulation
One of the most cost-effective ways to save energy in your home or business is to install additional insulation. Customers who heat with electricity (resistance or heat pump) are eligible to apply for rebates insulation upgrades. SMU's energy advisor must inspect the insulation before and after the work is done to be eligible.
For the purpose of insulation rebates, cost includes materials, contract labor, and/or equipment incurred for the insulation project. Insulation installed during new home or commercial construction is NOT eligible for a rebate.
A customer may receive a rebate on more than one type of insulation upgrade at the same address. However, the total rebate may not exceed $2,500 for residential properties during the calendar year. A non-residential property may not receive more than $7,500 or $.50 per square foot of the area improved, whichever is greater, during the calendar year. For multi-family residential properties, the limit is waived but property owner should consult with SMU before starting the insulation project.
Heating and Cooling
Replacing your old heating and cooling system can save a lot of money on energy bills, while at the same time increasing your comfort! By switching to a super-efficient heat pump system, you could cut your annual heating and cooling bills by 50% or more, so SMU offers attractive incentives to help offset the additional cost of these systems. Remember: the best time to replace your heating and cooling system is BEFORE it fails! So rather than take the risk of having a system failure when you need it the most, why not make the switch on your schedule and start saving money right away!
Efficiency requirements listed below are based on the ENERGY STAR® minimums as of 1/1/13. As an ENERGY STAR® partner utility, SMU may revise these minimums as they are revised by ENERGY STAR®.
Water Heating
Two new water heating technologies can save you over 50% on your annual water heating bills! A heat pump water heater extracts heat from the surrounding air in your basement or utility room and uses it to heat water in an insulated tank. A solar water heater collects the sun's rays to heat water and store it in an insulated tank. Both types of water heater are fairly expensive, but with SMU's incentive and annual savings of up to $200, you'll pay for the improvement in just a few years!
ENERGY STAR® Appliances and Electronics
SMU has always provided rebates for the purchase of many ENERGY STAR® appliances.
ENERGY STAR® labeled appliances and electronics use an average of 20% less electricity than the average new appliance of that type.
Please keep in mind that in order to get a rebate for a refrigerator, you have to provide proof that you recycled your old one. Why? Because if you simply move your old fridge into the garage to use as a "can cooler", you aren't saving any energy. In fact, you are using more than before! The proof of recycling can come from the appliance dealer where you purchased it or from the City of Spencer solid waste division. The recycling requirement is waived is there was not an existing refrigerator on the premise when the new refrigerator was purchased.
Energy Conservation Kits
SMU offers free energy and water conservation kits to customers to install in their home or business. The standard energy efficiency kit includes a water heater blanket (electric water heaters only), pipe insulators, foam switch/outlet sealers, and an information kit filled with energy-saving ideas. The water conservation kit includes two showerheads, two bathroom faucet aerators, and a kitchen faucet aerator. By just picking up and installing these simple devices, you can save over 500 kilowatt-hours of electricity a year in your home. And you can't beat the price - the kits are FREE to SMU customers!
Trade-A-Light
SMU makes it easy for electric customers to choose energy-efficient lighting through our Trade-A-Light program! With Trade-A-Light, you can exchange your standard incandescent lamp for a free compact fluorescent lamp (CFL) of equivalent light output. And to encourage the proper recycling of spent CFL's (which contain mercury that can harm the environment), SMU will also exchange a spent CFL for a new one!
The Trade-A-Light program applies to spiral CFL's in the most common wattages (13 watt = 60 watt incandescent; 20 watt = 75 watt, 23 watt = 100 watt). Two different color "temperature" CFL's will be available-warm white and cool white-to suit most people's preferences.
Lighting Retrofits
SMU customers-especially commercial and industrial customers-can see huge savings by replacing their old, inefficient lighting systems with highly efficient fluorescent or LED lighting. And SMU's incentives makes it even easier to make that investment!
NEMA Premium Electric Motors
Business and industrial customers can achieve big energy savings by upgrading to the lasts, most efficient electric motors in their operations. Complete NEMA PremiumT efficiency information is available online at the following website: http://www.nema.org/stds/complimentary-docs/upload/MG1premium.pdf.
General Program Rules and Information
Spencer Municipal Utilities is an official ENERGY STAR® Partner! We're working with the US Department of Energy and the EPA to encourage customers to look for the ENERGY STAR® label when shopping for appliances, heating and air conditioning, and lighting! And to make it even easier for customers to choose efficiency, SMU offers rebates for saving energy!
2013 Rebate Forms (these must be turned in to SMU within 60 days of invoice or project completion).
*All rebates must have a copy of the receipt of purchase
2013 Residential Rebate Form, click here.
2013 Commercial Rebate Form, click here.
Tax Credits of Energy Efficiency Improvements
The tax credit for ground source (geothermal) heating and cooling remains at 30% through 2016. For a summary of available tax credits, click here.
2013 SMU Resource Conservation Incentive Program
The SMU Resource Conservation Incentive Program provides financial incentives to encourage customers to make improvements to their homes or businesses that save energy and water.
2013 Resource Conservation Brochure, click here.
Complete 2013 Resource Conservation Program, click here.
Energy Depot for Homes
SMU offers an exciting, interactive tool to customers interested in saving energy in their home. It's called Energy Depot for Homes, and it's absolutely free to SMU customers!
- Home Energy Profile: The Home Energy Profile can help you analyze your home's energy use and identify cost saving opportunities. So that we can save your Profile, you need to register and create a user name and password. The process is quick and easy and your information is kept confidential.
- Home Energy Calculator: The Home Energy Calculator helps you determine the annual energy costs for the complete range of home energy systems and appliances. Both electric and gas appliances are included.
- Home Energy Library: The Home Energy Library contains more detailed and specific information to address your energy questions and help explain your personal energy saving recommendations.
- Energy Advisor: The Energy Advisor is an e-mail system that allows you to receive answers to energy questions not found through the Energy Library or other online resources.
Spencer Municipal Utilities now offers Home Energy Assessments to customers that heat their home with electricity (heat pump or resistance heat). SMU's energy advisor will visit your home to determine the characteristics of your home's energy usage. Based on the information gathered in the audit, SMU will provide a customized report recommending measures that may be taken to save energy in your home. The cost of a Home Energy Assessment is $100.00 and will be charged to the customer's utility account. The audit cost may be rebated if as a result of the audit you implement the recommendations made in the assessment report
Insulation
One of the most cost-effective ways to save energy in your home or business is to install additional insulation. Customers who heat with electricity (resistance or heat pump) are eligible to apply for rebates insulation upgrades. SMU's energy advisor must inspect the insulation before and after the work is done to be eligible. For the purpose of insulation rebates, cost includes materials, contract labor, and/or equipment incurred for the insulation project. Insulation installed during new home or commercial construction is NOT eligible for a rebate.
A customer may receive a rebate on more than one type of insulation upgrade at the same address. However, the total rebate may not exceed $2,500 for residential properties during the calendar year. A non-residential property may not receive more than $7,500 or $.50 per square foot of the area improved, whichever is greater, during the calendar year. For multi-family residential properties, the limit is waived but property owner should consult with SMU before starting the insulation project.
| Insulation | ||
| Attic/Ceiling | Increase to R-49+ | 70% of cost up to $750.00 |
| Exterior Wall | Increase to R-13+ | |
| Floor (over unheated, un-insulated space) | Increase to R-30+ | |
| Foundation or basement (if basement is conditioned) | Increase to R-13+ | |
| For multi-family residential properties, the maximum rebate is $750.00 per housing unit | ||
| Insulation (Commercial) | ||
| Attic/Ceiling | Increase to R-49+ | 70% of cost up to $7500.00 |
| Exterior Wall | Increase to R-13+ | |
Heating and Cooling
Replacing your old heating and cooling system can save a lot of money on energy bills, while at the same time increasing your comfort! By switching to a super-efficient heat pump system, you could cut your annual heating and cooling bills by 50% or more, so SMU offers attractive incentives to help offset the additional cost of these systems. Remember: the best time to replace your heating and cooling system is BEFORE it fails! So rather than take the risk of having a system failure when you need it the most, why not make the switch on your schedule and start saving money right away!Efficiency requirements listed below are based on the ENERGY STAR® minimums as of 1/1/13. As an ENERGY STAR® partner utility, SMU may revise these minimums as they are revised by ENERGY STAR®.
| Residential or Small Commercial Central Air Conditioner | |||
| Powered by single-phase current; <65,000 BTU | SEER = 14.5 to 15.9 | $150.00 per ton | |
| SEER = 16.0+ | $200.00 per ton | ||
| Large Commercial Central Air Conditioner (powered by 3-phase current) | |||
| <65,000 BTU | Single package | >14 SEER; 11 EER | $150.00 per ton |
| Split system | >14 SEER; 12 EER | $150.00 per ton | |
| 65,000 BTU to 240,000 BTU | With electric heat (or none) | >11.7 EER; 11.8 IEER | $150.00 per ton |
| With other heat | >11.5 EER; 11.6 IEER | $150.00 per ton | |
| Residential or Small Commercial Air-Source Heat Pump | |||
| Powered by single-phase current; rated below 65,000 BTU | SEER = 14.5 to 15.9 | $400.00 per ton | |
| SEER = 16.0+ | $500.00 per ton | ||
| Large Commercial Air Source Heat Pump (powered by 3-phase current) | |||
| <65,000 BTU | Single package | >14 SEER; 11 EER; 8.0 HSPF | $300.00 per ton |
| Split system | >14 SEER; 11 EER; 8.2 HSPF | $300.00 per ton | |
| 65,000 BTU to 135,000 BTU | >11.3 EER; 11.4 IEER; 3.35 COP* | $300.00 per ton | |
| 135,001 BTU to 250,000 BTU | >10.9 EER; 11.0 IEER; 3.25 COP* | $300.00 per ton | |
| *COP rated at 47° F | |||
| Ground Source (Geothermal) Heat Pump (residential or commercial, closed loop only) | |||
| Water-To-Air | >16.1 EER & 3.5 COP | $1,000.00 per ton | |
| Water-To-Water | >15.1 EER & 3.0 COP | $1,000.00 per ton | |
| Multi-Stage Compressor for Heat Pump | |||
| Additional rebate for use of a multi-stage compressor | $100.00 per ton | ||
| Electric Heat | |||
| Permanently wired installation-only when installed with heat pump | >1,000 watts (1 kW) | $25.00 per kW | |
| ECM Motor | |||
| For new or existing furnace; gas, electric resistance, or heat pump | $50.00 | ||
| Desuperheater | |||
| When installed with a heat pump | $150.00 | ||
| Programmable (set-back) Thermostat | |||
| Self-Installed | $25.00 | ||
| With professional installation | $50.00 | ||
| Central AC or Heat Pump Annual Checkup | |||
| Central AC or Heat Pump Annual Checkup | $25.00 | ||
Water Heating
Two new water heating technologies can save you over 50% on your annual water heating bills! A heat pump water heater extracts heat from the surrounding air in your basement or utility room and uses it to heat water in an insulated tank. A solar water heater collects the sun's rays to heat water and store it in an insulated tank. Both types of water heater are fairly expensive, but with SMU's incentive and annual savings of up to $200, you'll pay for the improvement in just a few years!
| Heat Pump or Solar Water Heater | |
| ENERGY STAR | $500.00 |
ENERGY STAR® Appliances and Electronics
SMU has always provided rebates for the purchase of many ENERGY STAR® appliances. ENERGY STAR® labeled appliances and electronics use an average of 20% less electricity than the average new appliance of that type.
Please keep in mind that in order to get a rebate for a refrigerator, you have to provide proof that you recycled your old one. Why? Because if you simply move your old fridge into the garage to use as a "can cooler", you aren't saving any energy. In fact, you are using more than before! The proof of recycling can come from the appliance dealer where you purchased it or from the City of Spencer solid waste division. The recycling requirement is waived is there was not an existing refrigerator on the premise when the new refrigerator was purchased.
| ENERGY STAR Appliances | |
| Dishwasher | $25.00 |
| Refrigerator | $50.00 |
| Clothes Washer | $75.00 |
| Television | $25.00 |
Energy Conservation Kits
SMU offers free energy and water conservation kits to customers to install in their home or business. The standard energy efficiency kit includes a water heater blanket (electric water heaters only), pipe insulators, foam switch/outlet sealers, and an information kit filled with energy-saving ideas. The water conservation kit includes two showerheads, two bathroom faucet aerators, and a kitchen faucet aerator. By just picking up and installing these simple devices, you can save over 500 kilowatt-hours of electricity a year in your home. And you can't beat the price - the kits are FREE to SMU customers!
Trade-A-LightSMU makes it easy for electric customers to choose energy-efficient lighting through our Trade-A-Light program! With Trade-A-Light, you can exchange your standard incandescent lamp for a free compact fluorescent lamp (CFL) of equivalent light output. And to encourage the proper recycling of spent CFL's (which contain mercury that can harm the environment), SMU will also exchange a spent CFL for a new one!The Trade-A-Light program applies to spiral CFL's in the most common wattages (13 watt = 60 watt incandescent; 20 watt = 75 watt, 23 watt = 100 watt). Two different color "temperature" CFL's will be available-warm white and cool white-to suit most people's preferences.
Lighting Retrofits
SMU customers-especially commercial and industrial customers-can see huge savings by replacing their old, inefficient lighting systems with highly efficient fluorescent or LED lighting. And SMU's incentives makes it even easier to make that investment!
| T12 retrofit Replacing existing T-12 fixtures with electronic ballast T8 or T5 fixtures |
||
| 1 or 2 lamps | $10.00 | |
| 3 or 4 lamps | $20.00 | |
| 5+ lamps | $30.00 | |
| HID Retrofit or Substitution Retrofit: replace existing HID (metal halide or high pressure sodium) with T8 or T5 fixtures New Construction: Choose T8/T5 instead of an HID fixture for high-bay applications |
||
| 3 or 4 lamps | $75.00 | |
| 5+ lamps | $80.00 | |
| LED Lighting: Rebate is caluclated based on total kW savings @ $400.00 per kW limited to 70% of cost. | ||
| Occupancy Sensors | $50.00 | |
| Exit Lamps | LED conversion or new | $30.00 |
| ENERGY STAR® fixture | Any ENERGY STAR rated lighting fixture, including ceiling fan/light kits (Lighting fixture must have the lamps installed). |
$25.00 |
NEMA Premium Electric Motors
Business and industrial customers can achieve big energy savings by upgrading to the lasts, most efficient electric motors in their operations. Complete NEMA PremiumT efficiency information is available online at the following website: http://www.nema.org/stds/complimentary-docs/upload/MG1premium.pdf.
| Motor Size (HP) | SMU Rebate | Motor Size (HP) | SMU Rebate | Motor Size (HP) | SMU Rebate | Motor Size (HP) | SMU Rebate | |||
| 1 | $30.00 | 7.5 | $150.00 | 30 | $400.00 | 100 | $1,000.00 | |||
| 1.5 | $40.00 | 10 | $200.00 | 40 | $450.00 | 125 | $1,200.00 | |||
| 2 | $45.00 | 15 | $250.00 | 50 | $500.00 | 150 | $1,300.00 | |||
| 3 | $75.00 | 20 | $300.00 | 60 | $600.00 | 200 + | $1,500.00 | |||
| 5 | $100.00 | 25 | $350.00 | 75 | $800.00 |
General Program Rules and Information
- The effective date is January 1, 2013. Programs may be changed or cancelled by SMU without notice. Customers should check with the SMU office for information on programs.
- Energy efficiency incentives are only available for properties that are within the SMU electric service territory. Water conservation incentives are only available for properties that are within the SMU water service territory.
- SMU reserves the right to verify installation and invoices prior to rebate being paid.
- SMU reserves the right to meter devices for which a rebate is paid to aid in determination of actual energy savings. Such metering will be at SMU's expense.
- Rebates will not exceed equipment costs minus any manufacturers or dealer rebates.
- Rebates will be issued to the party that paid for the improvement. If the rebate is for improvements at an owner-occupied residential or commercial property, the rebate will be paid as a credit to the utility account at that location. If that party does not occupy the residence or commercial property where the device was installed, the rebate will be applied as a credit to another utility account in that party's name, or will be given in the form of a check. Payment will be made upon approval of completed application, sales ticket, and SMU verification.
- Improvements made to rental properties will be considered residential rebates, but will be subject to the annual commercial rebate limits.
- For rebates in excess of $1,000, the applicant may request a check rather than credit. In order to receive rebates for improvements under the 2013 program, the improvements must be paid for and/or installed during 2013. Rebates must be submitted within 60 days of invoice date or project completion.
- Customers are responsible to insure that all equipment and/or improvements are installed in accordance with all codes, standards, and regulatory requirements.
- Rebates will be approved on new improvements only. No rebates will be approved for used items.
- SMU does not guarantee reduced usage, demand, or cost savings. SMU makes no warranties, expressed or implied, with the respect to any improvements made. In no event shall SMU be liable for any incidental or consequential damages. SMU does not endorse any manufacturer or product in this program.
- Completed applications will be processed on a first come, first served basis, until available funds are committed.
- Any income tax or other taxes which may be payable as a result of a rebate being paid (or applied to the utility account) are the responsibility of the customer.
- The decision of Spencer Municipal Utilities regarding any disputes which arise in the rebate program is final.
- Customers who receive the rebate will agree on the application to allow SMU to install and operate demand response devices if the use of such devices is deemed necessary by the SMU Board of Trustees.
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