Incentives for Your Home
Attic Insulation
EARN UP TO A $600 INCENTIVE
when participating in the attic insulation program
Customers participating in the residential EnergyWise℠ attic insulation program are eligible for an incentive of $.30 / square foot with a maximum incentive amount of $600 per existing residential dwelling. New construction and/or additions do not qualify.
Start With Your Attic
On a sunny summer day, with the hot sun blasting directly on the roof, attics can get up to 140°F when the inside of the house is 75°F. That is a 65°F temperature differential.
Your house acts like a chimney in the winter, where cooler air enters the house in the lower areas and attempts to exit the house in the warmer – higher areas. A house with a poor and leaky envelope will show significant heat loss through the attic and eaves.
If you have little insulation in the attic (six inches or less on average) and add at least six inches or R-19, take advantage of this EnergyWise℠ Residential Insulation Program. To be eligible, customers must have a heat pump or electric furnace or electric heat (baseboard, radiant, etc.).
Guidelines
- This program is for the installation of attic insulation only. All other insulation installations (i.e. – walls, floors, crawl spaces, foundations, etc.) do not qualify.
- Only Residential customers/owners qualify for the attic insulation energy efficiency incentives. Duplexes and multi-family dwellings in which each residence is individually metered are eligible for one incentive per dwelling.
- Dwellings must use electricity as the primary fuel source for heating. Customers that have air source heat pumps with natural gas or propane backup furnaces do qualify.
- Existing attic insulation levels must average six (6) inches or less. Six (6) inches or more or an R-19 value of new insulation must be added to the area insulated. The area insulated may be less than the total attic area.
- New construction or additions to existing dwellings do not qualify.
- An incentive will be provided to the person responsible for purchasing the insulation after the insulation is installed. No incentive(s) will be paid without the completion of the application form. The application form must then be signed by the owner and installing contractor (if applicable). The completed application form will then be submitted to the electric utility for processing. Sales receipt(s) or invoice(s) itemizing the new insulation indicating the type, amount, and purchase date must accompany each energy efficiency incentive application.
- The incentive payment or account credit to the person responsible for purchasing the insulation will come directly from their local electric utility.
- NPPD reserves the right to do random spot checks of installations to ensure program compliance.
Additional Information
Cooling System Tune-Up
EARN A $30 INCENTIVE
when you have your cooling system tuned up
A $30 EnergyWise℠ incentive is available to homeowners that have their cooling system tuned up, regardless of what type of cooling system it is (air conditioner, air or water source heat pump) or its age.
The application includes a checklist of key components your contractor should inspect as well as items for discussion, such as; filter replacement schedule, proper temperature set-back practices and an understanding of the general condition of the system.
Guidelines
- Qualifying systems include any residential central cooling system that has been installed for at least one year, such as:
— Air conditioner
— Air source heat pump (electric or fossil fuel back-up)
— Water source heat pump - The incentive payment is $30.
- The incentive payment to the homeowner will come directly from their local electric utility. For renter/landlord situations, the party responsible for the cost of the tune up will receive the incentive.
- All HVAC equipment must be permanently installed in a residential single-family dwelling. A mobile home must be on a permanent foundation.
- Duplexes and condominiums that are separately metered will be considered residential, and each cooling unit requires its own tune-up application. If they are master metered, they are considered multifamily and not eligible. Apartments that are master metered are considered multi-family.
- In those cases where two or more air conditioners or heat pumps are installed in the same house, both or all are eligible for the full incentive amount. Each requires its own application.
- Window air conditioners, Package Terminal Air Conditioner (PTAC), and Package Terminal Heat Pumps (PTHPs) are not eligible.
- Program is subject to the Terms and Conditions as outlined on the application and the General Guidelines.
Additional Information
High Efficiency Heat Pump
EARN AN INCENTIVE
when installing a qualified high efficiency heat pump
EARN A BONUS INCENTIVE FROM YOUR LOCAL UTILITY
EARN A BONUS INCENTIVE FROM YOUR LOCAL UTILITY
Your heating and cooling system is likely the largest user of energy in your home. A new heat pump will provide both comfort and lower energy bills. You could qualify to receive financial assistance via an incentive or low-interest loan when you install a high-efficiency qualified heat pump.
Direct Incentive
Type of Heat Pump | Incentive Criteria (SEER Ratings) | Incentive Criteria (SEER2 Ratings) | Incentive Amount |
---|---|---|---|
Ductless Mini-Split | 16+ SEER, 12.5 EER, 8.5 HSPF | 16+ SEER2, 12.5 EER2, 7.7 HSPF2 | $400 |
Ductless Mini-Split | Variable Capacity (provide manufacturer literature showing it is inverter driven) | Variable Capacity (provide manufacturer literature showing it is inverter driven) | $600 |
Ductless Mini-Split (multi heads, 3 ton or greater) | Variable Capacity (provide manufacturer literature showing it is inverter driven) | Variable Capacity (provide manufacturer literature showing it is inverter driven) | $1,200 |
Air Source | 16-16.9 SEER, 12.5 EER, 8.5 HSPF | 15.2-16 SEER2, 11.9 EER2, 7.5 HSPF2 | $400 |
Air Source | 17-18.9 SEER, 12.5 EER, 8.5 HSPF | 16.1-18 SEER2, 11.9 EER2, 7.5 HSPF2 | $800 |
Air Source | 19+ SEER, 12.5 EER, 8.5 HSPF | 18.1+ SEER2, 11.9 EER2, 7.5 HSPF2 | $1,200 |
Air Source | Variable Capacity (provide manufacturer literature showing it is inverter driven) | Variable Capacity (provide manufacturer literature showing it is inverter driven) | $1,200 |
Geothermal – water-to air or water-to water (1 or 2 Stages) | Any EER | Any EER | $2,400 |
Geothermal – water-to air or water-to water (variable capacity) | 35+ EER, 5.0+ COP (in GLHP – partial load column of AHRI or Energy Star certificate) | 35+ EER, 5.0+ COP (in GLHP – partial load column of AHRI or Energy Star certificate) | $3,300 |
— OR —
- For Dealer (installation contractor) Only -
Type of Heat Pump | Incentive Criteria | Who Receives Incentive | Incentive Amount |
---|---|---|---|
Qualified Installation | Complete startup testing and review potential issues with customer | Dealer | $50 |
An AHRI Certificate is required for all equipment meeting the requirements in the table above. If an AHRI Certificate is not attached to the application, the maximum incentive will be $100. |
Low Interest Loan
Apply for a low interest loan through the Nebraska Energy Office’s “Dollar and Energy Savings Loan Program” for your new qualifying heat pump system.
Guidelines
- All heat pumps must be permanently installed in a residential single-family dwelling and primarily used for space heating. A mobile home must be on a permanent foundation.
- Qualifying equipment is AHRI listed with an indoor and outdoor unit combination that meets the minimum requirements as shown in the table.
- An incentive payment will be paid to the owner of a residence after the equipment is installed and operating. The application form must then be signed by both the dealer and the homeowner. This form will then be submitted to the homeowner’s electric utility.
- The incentive payment to the homeowner will come directly from their local electric utility. The incentive payment to the dealer will come from NPPD as they will be paid once a month for the qualifying systems that have been submitted through the local electric utilities. Accompanying the check will be a report providing information about the qualifying system information, such as; customer name, address, and electric utility involved, etc.
- Low Interest Loan – For homeowners who choose this option (instead of the incentive) – the program is administered through the Nebraska Department of Environment and Energy – Dollar and Energy Savings Loan Program. Qualifying equipment, in addition to the heat pump, can include: furnace (regardless of fuel source – electric or fossil fuel), programmable thermostats, and associated wiring, and ductwork that may be required with the installation with the new heat pump.
NOTE – homes built within the last 5 years are not eligible for the low interest loan, but they are eligible for the incentive.
Eligibility is dependent upon meeting the requirements of the Dollar and Energy Savings Loan Program.
For more information go to neo.ne.gov (Dollar and Energy Savings Loan) - Multifamily structures that are separately metered will be considered residential, thus requiring separate applications. If they are master metered, they are eligible for incentives under the Commercial HVAC Program.
- “New” refers to new construction with new equipment.
“Conversion” means that the primary source of heat had been a fossil fuel system.
“Upgrade” refers to the installation of new equipment in which the system being directly replaced is currently a heat pump. - In those cases where combinations of two or more heat pumps are installed in the same house, both or all are eligible for the full incentive amount. The dealer is also eligible for their incentive if the contractor checklist is completed.
- To be eligible for an incentive, a cottage/cabin must be heated during the winter months of October through May.
- If electricity is the primary source of heat for a residence, the use of solar panels, wood stove or fireplace will not affect the eligibility for an incentive payment.
- Additions and supplemental systems are not eligible for incentive payments unless they are large enough for their own dedicated heating and cooling system.
- Package Terminal Heat Pumps (PTHPs) are not eligible.
- “Dealer” is the term used in this document to identify the installing contractor. Most often this will be the heating and cooling contractor that performs the load calculation, sizes the system, and installs it.
- Program is subject to the Terms and Conditions as outlined on the application and to the General Guidelines.
Additional Information
Heat Pump Water Heater
EARN AN INCENTIVE
when installing a heat pump water heater
Heat pump water heaters offer improved efficiency and increased energy savings compared to standard units. The benefit of a heat pump water heater is that you get at least twice as much hot water from each kilowatt-hour of electricity consumed as you get from a standard electric water heater. And, while a heat pump water system costs more upfront, the savings will pay back the difference in two years for a household of four.
System Type | Incentive Criteria | Incentive Amount |
---|---|---|
Air Source HP Water Heater | UEF > 1.9 | $400 |
Water or Ground Source HP Water Heater | COP > 2.8 | $650 |
Guidelines
- All heat pump water heaters must be permanently installed.
- An incentive payment will be paid to the owner after the equipment is installed, operating, and tested by the installer to manufacturer recommendations. The application form must be signed by the installer and owner. This form will then be submitted to the owner’s electric utility.
- Copy of sales receipt must accompany application.
- Program is subject to the Terms and Conditions as outlined on the application and the General Guidelines.
Additional Information
Induction Cooking
EARN A 20% INCENTIVE
when purchasing a qualifying induction cooktop or range
Experience cooking technology that rivals the power of gas while providing greater efficiency, safety, and precision. Induction cooking is one of the most efficient ways to prepare food. By generating an electromagnetic field below the glass surface, energy is transferred directly to the cookware on top. Unlike traditional electric or gas cooktops and stovetops, no flame or burner is necessary.
Guidelines
- Qualifying built-in cooktop or free-standing ranges must be brand new.
- The entire cooktop surface must use induction technology and have a 30” minimum width to be eligible for a 20% incentive.
- Complete and submit application with proof of purchase to your electric utility provider.
- Participating utilities have the right to limit the quantity of incentives.
- Incentive amount is based on purchase price (installation, taxes, delivery/shipping are not eligible).
Additional Information
Smart Thermostat
EARN UP TO A $100 INCENTIVE
when installing a qualifying smart thermostat
If you have a home Wi-Fi connection and a central air-conditioning or heat pump system, you may qualify for an EnergyWise℠ incentive of up to $100 for installing a qualifying smart thermostat.
Smart thermostat technology is most beneficial for households that have extended periods during the day when no one is home, those that turn their thermostat down during bedtime hours or those that have irregular occupancy through the week, month or year.
Incentives | |
---|---|
Primary Electric Heat (Professionally Installed) | $100 |
Primary Electric Heat (Customer Installed) | $75 |
Primary Fossil-Fuel Heat (Professionally Installed) | $50 |
Primary Fossil-Fuel Heat (Customer Installed) | $25 |
Guidelines
- Eligible smart thermostats must be an ENERGYSTAR-certified Smart Thermostat. Check with your local electric utility for eligibility. A list of eligible smart thermostats can be found at http://www.energystar.gov/productfinder/product/certified-connected-thermostats/results
- Confirm your home’s HVAC system is compatible with the selected thermostat.
- Only Residential customers/owners that have a home Wi-Fi connection and a central air conditioning or heat pump system qualify for Smart Thermostat energy efficiency incentives. Duplexes and multi-family dwellings in which each residence is individually metered are eligible. Commercial, Industrial and other customer classes do not qualify.
- Offer is limited to one incentive per residential central forced-air heating and cooling (HVAC) system and up to two (2) qualifying systems per household.
- New construction or additions to existing dwellings do not qualify. To be eligible for an incentive,a cottage/cabin must be heated during the winter months of October through May.
- For applicants of rented or leased residences, applicant must receive permission from the property owner to install the equipment. Submission of an application indicates that the tenant has obtained this permission.
- “Professionally Installed” identifies that the installation was completed by a qualified professional contractor. Most often this will be a heating and cooling contractor. If professionally installed, a copy of contractor invoicing is required to be eligible for the additional $25 incentive. “Customer installed” incentives are limited to 50% of purchase price (before sales tax and shipping).
- Qualifying Smart Thermostats must be purchased, installed and connected through a permanent, home-based Wi-Fi connection before an energy efficiency incentive is issued. Upon request of the local electric utility, the customer will provide proof of an operative Wi-Fi connection with the smart thermostat.
- An incentive will be provided to the person responsible for purchasing and installing the Smart Thermostat. The application form must then be signed by the owner and installing contractor (if applicable). The completed application form and a copy of sales receipt(s) or invoice(s) identifying the Brand, Model Number, Purchase Date, and Retailer Name must accompany each smart thermostat incentive application when submitted to the local electric utility for processing. Please allow 45 days for delivery of incentives. Submitting an application with incomplete or missing information may delay processing of the incentive.
- The incentive payment or account credit to the person responsible for purchasing and installing the Smart Thermostat will come directly from their local electric utility.
- NPPD reserves the right to do random spot checks of installations to ensure program compliance.
- Participating electric utilities are those that are wholesale customers of Nebraska Public Power District.
- NPPD will make final determination of program compliance decisions and reserves the right to cancel the program with 30 days’ notice.
- Neither the local electric utility nor Nebraska Public Power District warrant the performance of any material either expressly or implicitly. Contact the manufacturer, supplier or contractor for details regarding material warranties.
- Program is subject to the Terms and Conditions as outlined on the application and to the General Guidelines.