Idaho

Bonneville Environmental Foundation's (BEF) Solar 4R Schools program began in 2002. This competitive grant program seeks to install small-scale photovoltaic systems at K-12 schools interested in increasing the visibility of renewable energy. Successful projects will include outreach and educational components to encourage community adoption and use of photovoltaics.

The school agrees to: own and maintain the solar system, provide access to a network in order to transfer solar data and offer and implement an educational and/or public outreach strategy. Solar 4R Schools donates the photovoltaic system and monitoring equipment, performs all installations with help from school staff, and provides a renewable energy curriculum framework to the school. Once the systems are running, the students are able to access photovoltaic monitoring data on school computers as they learn about renewable energy. The data can also be displayed over the school or district website so that the general public can see it. Solar 4R Schools has developed curriculum modules that incorporate solar and photovoltaic technology concepts to assist teachers with implementing solar energy education in the classroom.

Solar 4R Schools will typically fund 50-100% of costs for approved demonstration systems sized less than 10 kilowatts and will occasionally consider partially funding other larger photovoltaic projects. Solar 4R Schools usually requires a funding partner or requires matching funds from the project applicant. Grants are awarded on a quarterly basis. Solar 4R Schools grants are available to any school in the United States. See the Solar 4R Schools website for more details on funding and the application process.

The Northwest Energy Efficiency Alliance (NEEA) is offering a rebate program for homeowners who purchase and install an eligible heat pump water heater. A rebate of $1,000 is offered for qualifying heat pump water heater units. New units must replace an existing electric water heater and must be installed by a Smart Water Heat oriented contractor. Ducting with a constant airflow regulator must be utilized if the new unit is installed in a heated space. New construction is also eligible for the rebate. All program requirements for equipment and installation must be met in order to receive rebates. Incentives are available through October 31, 2012. Contact NEEA or view the program web site for more information on this program.

Idaho residents with homes built or under construction before 2002, or who had a building permit issued before January 1, 2002, qualify for an income tax deduction for 100% of the cost of installing new insulation or other approved energy efficiency improvements in an existing residence. Any insulation added must be in addition to, not a replacement of, existing insulation. Other energy efficiency measures that may be deducted are windows that are more energy efficient than existing windows, storm windows, weather stripping and caulking, and duct sealing and insulation.  The amount charged for labor is also deductible. 

Customers should claim the deduction on forms from the Idaho State Tax Commission; contact the Idaho State Tax Commission for the most recent form.

This statute allows taxpayers an income tax deduction of 40% of the cost of a solar, wind, geothermal, and certain biomass energy devices used for heating or electricity generation. Taxpayers can apply this 40% deduction in the year in which the system is installed and can also deduct 20% of the cost each year for three years thereafter. The maximum deduction in any one year is $5,000. The total maximum deduction is $20,000.

Eligible biomass energy devices include a pellet stove or EPA-certified wood stove if:

• it is in the taxpayer's residence,
• it replaces an old wood stove that does not meet EPA requirements,
• the purchase and replacement occurs within the same year, and
• the old wood stove is dropped off at a Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ)-approved site within 30 days.
  (Also applies to new natural gas or propane heating units that meet these criteria.)

In 2007, Idaho enacted a bill that restructured the method of taxation for producers of wind energy from a property tax to a tax on production. The aim of this restructuring was to ease the burden on commercial wind farms in the early years of operation. In 2008, Idaho enacted further legislation to include geothermal energy producers under this method of taxation. Under these policies, commercial wind operators and geothermal energy producers, excluding those regulated by the Idaho Public Utilities Commission, are exempt from paying taxes on real estate, fixtures or property related to their renewable energy systems. In lieu of property taxes, however, wind and geothermal energy producers must instead pay a tax of three percent (3%) of gross energy earnings.

Legislation enacted in Idaho in April 2005 (Senate Bill 1192) allows independent (non-utility) developers of renewable energy projects in the state to request financing from the Idaho Energy Resources Authority, a state bonding authority created in March 2005 by the Environment, Energy and Technology Energy Resources Authority Act (House Bill 106). The authority was created to finance the construction of electric generation and transmission projects by electric utilities. SB 1192 extended the financing opportunities to independent renewable energy producers that are not "qualifying facilities" under the federal Public Utility Regulatory Policies Act of 1978 (PURPA).

For the purposes of this program, renewable energy is defined as "a source of energy that occurs naturally, is regenerated naturally or uses as a fuel source, a waste product or byproduct from a manufacturing process including, but not limited to, open or closed-loop biomass, fuel cells, geothermal energy, waste heat, cogeneration, solar energy, water power and wind."

The Idaho Office of Energy Resources administers low-interest loan programs for energy efficiency projects, and for active solar, wind, geothermal, hydropower and biomass energy projects. The interest rate is 4% with a 5-year repayment term. Applicants must pay the fees associated with processing and closing a loan. Loans are available for retrofit only, with the exception of some renewable resources.

Residential customers can finance energy efficiency improvements with this loan program, including insulation, space heating upgrades and water heating system improvements. Renewable energy improvements are also eligible for this loan program.

Non-residential customers may undertake projects to improve insulation, windows and doors, heating systems, building commissioning, or custom-designed projects. Specific energy-efficient agricultural equipment may also be eligible. Note that the commercial and industrial loan has a minimum lending amount of $1,000, but loans for the agricultural and public sectors do not have a minimum loan amount.

Certain restrictions apply to this program. For existing homes or businesses, the savings from reduced usage of conventional fuel must be sufficient to pay for the project’s installation cost (i.e., simple payback of 15 years or less). For new off-grid projects, use of a renewable energy resource must be the least cost alternative. For grid-tied renewable energy projects, the payback period must be 15 years or less. Renewable energy projects that are intended to sell energy generated or the commodity produced are not eligible. While the program’s financing requires repayment within five years, a further stipulation for existing homes and businesses states that the project’s cumulative energy savings over a fifteen year period must be great enough to offset the cost of the project.

Idaho Falls Power is offering a zero interest loan program to qualifying commercial customers to install efficient lighting and other energy conservation measures. The building must receive its electricity service from Idaho Falls Power and an energy audit must be performed on the building by IFP Energy Services personnel prior to purchase and/or installation. Loan is only available to customers with a good payment history with City Utilities (i.e. no outstanding current balance, no disconnects for nonpayment, no delinquencies). Must have minimum of one year payment history with utility and building owner's signed permission to participate. Loan amount will then be added to your utility bill and will be payable in equal monthly installments in addition to regular utility charges. Defaulted unpaid principal balance accrues interest at the rate of 12% per annum.

Customers meeting these criteria are eligible to receive an energy audit for the following measures, as needed:

• Lighting efficiency improvements  
• HVAC upgrades 
• Motor efficiency improvements  
• Building envelope improvements
   

Customers interested in participating should call 208-612-8143.

Idaho Falls Power also offers a rebate program for similar commercial projects.

Idaho Falls Power offers zero interest loans to all eligible customers for the purchase and installation of energy efficient heat pumps. The Heat Pump Program applies to heating or cooling in existing buildings. Ducted, ductless, and geothermal heat pumps are all eligible for this offer. The program will loan up to 100% of the actual cost of installing heat pumps for qualifying customers not to exceed $7,500 ($5,000 for ductless heat pumps). An alternative heat pump rebate program is offered for customers who do not want to pursue a loan.  Between $250 and $2,500 in rebates are available for customers who opt for this incentive.  For both the loan and rebate program, the minimum performance standards for eligible heat pumps is 9.0 HSPF/14 SEER, and insulation levels of R-38 ceiling, R-11 wall, R-19 floor are also required.

This loan program is only available to customers with a good payment history with City Utilities (no outstanding current balance, no disconnects for nonpayment or delinquencies), and who have minimum of one year payment history with the utility. For more information on program terms and conditions, visit the program website.

Idaho Falls Power's Energy Efficiency Loan Program offers zero interest loans for qualifying customers to purchase and install efficient electric appliances. The program will loan up to 100% of the actual cost of eligible measures for qualifying customers. Electric appliances eligible for financing include, but are not limited to, the following:

• Water heaters (minimum .93 energy factor)
• Refrigerators
• Freezers
• Compact fluorescent bulbs
• Energy Star washing machines (1.72 MEF minimum)
• Electric rechargeable lawn mowers, electric rechargeable weed trimmers
• Electronic thermostats

This program is only available to customers with a good payment history with City Utilities (i.e. no outstanding current balance, no disconnects for nonpayment, no delinquencies), and who have minimum of one year payment history with the utility. There is a $25 administration charge to apply. If non-payment occurs for three months, the remaining balance will be immediately due and payable with interest at 12% per year or electric service can be disconnected.  For more information, visit the program website.

Residential customers with permanently installed electric heat who receive service from the City of Idaho Falls, are eligible for 0% weatherization loans. City Energy Service will conduct an energy audit, and participants can then finance and install energy conservation measures. Payment is made to the Contractor by Idaho Falls Power, and the participant pays any costs in excess of the program loan amount. The amount paid to the contractor by Idaho Falls Power will then be added to the customer's utility bill and will be payable in equal monthly installments.

Residential customers can also apply for energy efficient appliance and heat pump loans with Idaho Falls Power.

Avista Utilities offers numerous incentives to commercial and industrial customers to increase the energy efficiency of customer facilities or equipment. Incentive options are available for heating and cooling equipment, refrigeration, lighting, motors, variable frequency drives, vending machine controls, appliances, personal computers, retro-commissioning, and other energy efficient measures. Below is a list of available programs. See the program web site above to view specific details and contact Avista in the early stages of project development.

• Site-Specific Energy Efficiency Incentives Program
• Commercial Lighting Program
• Commercial HVAC Variable Frequency Drive Initiative
• Power Management for Personal Computer (PC) Networks
• Commercial Clothes Washer Rebate Program
• Retro-Commissioning Rebate Program

Avista Utilities offers incentives to customers who improve efficiency through electric food service equipment retrofits. A variety of cooking and refrigeration equipment are eligible for rebates through this targeted program.  The utility will conduct an energy site-analysis of existing equipment and issue recommendations on how equipment may be upgraded to higher efficiency levels. See the program web site for more information regarding this program.

Avista Utilities' Commercial Lighting Program provides incentives for lighting upgrades. New construction projects and proved energy saving lighting measures not listed on rebate form are evaluated on a site-specific basis. Incentive amounts vary; some common lighting upgrades eligible for incentives through the program include:

• High bay HID lighting to T5 or T8 fluorescents
• Incandescent to CFL Lamp and Fixture
• Incandescent to LED
• Incandescent to LED or cold cathode fluorescents
• Incandescent exit signs to LED exit signs
• Installation of occupancy sensors
• Installation of individually controlled daylighting ballasts

Avista Utilities Home Improvement and New Home Construction programs offer a variety ofincentives for residential customers to save energy in eligible homes. Offers apply to residential homeowners in Idaho who heat homes  primarily with Avista electricity Incentives vary depending on technology, and apply to existing and new construction homes. Interested customers should see the web site for more infomlation including individual program requirements, specifications, and all application forms.

In addition to loan programs, Idaho Falls Power offers rebates for customers meeting certain criteria. An energy audit will inspect the following measures and recommend upgrades as needed:

• Lighting efficiency improvements  
• Electric heating
•  Heat pumps 
• Ventilation or air conditioning system improvements  
• Motor efficiency improvements  
• Building envelope improvements

After an energy audit is completed, customers may either hire a contractor or complete some work themselves. After the work is done, customers should contact the Energy Services Office to schedule a post-installation measurement and verification inspection - required to insure that installation meets the specifications of the IFP Energy Conservation Program. Customers interested in participating should call 208-612-8143.

Idaho Falls Power offers rebates to eligible customers for installing energy efficient equipment and pursuing whole building efficiency measures.  Rebates rebates are available for air source and geothermal heat pumps, as well as for weatherization measures. Rebates are also offered specifically for new site built and manufactured homes which attain Energy Star certification.  Additionally, energy efficient appliance rebates are also available through the new homes program.

These programs are offered in addition to a zero interest appliance loan program and a low interest heat pump loan program. Efficiency requirements for equipment must be met in order to be eligible for rebates. Contact Idaho Falls Power for more information or visit the program web site listed above.

Idaho Power offers incentives for its commercial and industrial customers in Idaho and Oregon to upgrade to more efficient equipment in facilities. They provide incentives for lighting equipment and controls, HVAC equipment and controls, cool roofing, building shell, and grocery/refrigeration equipment. This program is for Idaho Power commercial or industrial customers on rate Schedule 7 (Small General Service, Small Commercial), Schedule 9 (Large General Service, Large Commercial), or Schedule 19 (Large Power Service). There is a maximum allowable incentive of $100,000. Contact Idaho Power for more information on the program.

Large commercial and industrial Idaho Power customers that reduce energy usage through more efficient electrical commercial and industrial processes may qualify for an incentive that is the lesser of either 12 cents per kilowatt-hour (kWh) saved per year or 70% of the project cost. The incentive is specifically for customers on Large General Service, Large Commercial, and Large Power Service, although other large industrial customers may qualify. Incentives are given to customers that are making complex energy efficiency upgrades to electrical industrial and commercial processes, motor systems, controls, fans, pumps, compressors, lighting, air conditioning and refrigeration systems. Projects must be completed within one year of signing an obligatory contract agreement with Idaho Power and incentives will be dispersed after final certification and only as long as funds are available. For more information, including an application, project overview and service representative contact information can be found on Idaho Power's web site.

Through Idaho Power's Irrigation Efficiency Rewards program, agricultural customers qualify to receive an incentive for a portion of the cost to install a new, more efficient irrigation system or to make energy-efficient improvements to an existing one. Idaho Power’s agricultural representatives can provide an energy evaluation free of charge to help determine what part of the system can be changed to make it more energy efficient.  The Custom Incentive is for extensive retrofits of existing systems or for new irrigation systems and is based on annual kilowatt-hour (kWh) or kilowatt (kW) savings of proposed modifications as estimated by Idaho Power. For a new system the incentive is based upon installation of a system that Idaho Power determines to be more energy efficient than standard.
The Menu Incentive provides a rebate for the purchase of specified replacement parts and components for existing irrigation systems.

Idaho Power offers incentives for its commercial and industrial customers in Idaho and Oregon to install new equipment above code in eligible facilities. They provide rebates for lighting equipment and controls, HVAC equipment and controls, building shell measures, and energy control/ventilation equipment. Incentives are designed to average about half the additional cost of energy-efficiency investments. This program is for Idaho Power commercial or industrial customers on rate Schedule 7 (Small General Service, Small Commercial), Schedule 9 (Large General Service, Large Commercial), or Schedule 19 (Large Power Service). Only projects that are part of a new building, an expansion to an existing building, or a major renovation can qualify. All Building Efficiency final applications must be submitted within 60 days of project completion.

Extensive program details can be found here.

Idaho Power is offering a $500 sales rebate to customers who purchase a new ENERGY STAR all-electric manufactured home and connect that home to an Idaho Power residential account. In addition, the sales consultant who sells the home will be eligible for a $100 sales bonus. ENERGY STAR manufactured homes are designed to be more energy efficient than standard ones because they have more insulation in the ceiling, walls and floors, better windows and doors, tighter duct systems and specially designed ventilation systems.

See the program's Frequently Asked Questions section for more information, or contact Idaho Power directly.

Idaho Power offers a variety of incentives for residential customers in Idaho and Oregon.  Rebates from $20 - $50 are offered for select Energy Star qualified appliances covered under the Home Products Program.  Meanwhile, the Heating and Cooling Program offers incentives for residential customers who purchase and have installed qualifying air source heat pumps, open loop water source heat pumps, forced air furnaces, and evaporative coolers that meet program requirements. In order to qualify for the incentive customers must use a participating company for heat pump installations and comply with all program requirements.  Rebates in this program may vary according the whether the equipment is installed in new or existing homes.  Single family existing homes may qualify for Idaho Power's Home Improvement Program, which offers incentives for attic, wall, and floor insulation as well as for air and duct sealing.  These incentives are offered on a per square foot or per linear foot basis. Idaho home builders are also eligible for incentives, and can receive a $1000 rebate for building ENERGY STAR homes, and an additional $500 for participating in the Parade of Homes marketing program.

For more information on program guidelines and incentives, visit the utility's web site or contact Idaho Power.

The Intermountain Gas Company's (IGC) Gas Heating Rebate Program offers customers a $200 per unit rebate when they convert to a high efficiency natural gas furnace that replaces a heating system using another energy source. New furnaces must meet a minimum AFUE efficiency rating of 90%, and the home must have been built at least three years prior to the furnace conversion to qualify for the rebate. Visit IGC's program web site for more information.

Due to high demand, this program has been temporarily suspended. Rebates for washer, refrigerators, and water heaters will be honored through the September 30, 2012.

Northern Lights Inc. offers a variety of rebates for the purchase and installation of energy efficient appliances and measures. Rebates are available on clothes washers, refrigerators and freezers, water heaters, insulation, replacement windows, heat pumps, and new manufactured homes. Duct sealing is also offered to customers free of charge. A list of eligible equipment and rebate amounts can be found in the program brochure. Equipment and manufactured homes must meet all program efficiency standards to receive rebates. All members who receive electric service from Northern Lights qualify for incentives.  Interested customers should contact Northern Lights for more general information on the rebate process.

Questar Gas provides rebates to its business customers for installing energy efficient food service equipment, laundry equipment, HVAC and water heating equipment, and certain weatherization measures. Some equipment rebates vary depending on the efficiency level of the equipment. Applications and more details are available on the web site listed above.

The ThermWise Business Custom Rebates Program is a demand-side management (DSM) program offered by Questar Gas with the goal of obtaining verifiable, cost-effective, and long-term natural gas savings. Program participants submit project proposals for a firm quantity of natural gas reduction through the installation of demand-side management measures. After installation, review and approval by Questar Gas, customers will receive $1.00 per therm saved up to 50% of the eligible incurred project cost.

Questar Gas provides incentives for home builders to construct energy efficient homes. Rebates are provided for energy efficient gas equipment. Builders can also receive whole house rebates for building Energy Star homes (certified by an eligible home rater) and High Performance homes (that meet 2009 IECC requirements). All equipment and construction requirements must be met in order to participate. The program application, builder participation agreement, and more details about incentive amounts and efficiency requirements are located on the program web site.

Questar also provides incentives for home builders to incorporate solar water heating systems in the homes of its residential customers. Rebates of $750 per system are provided for systems installed to assist gas water heaters. To be eligible, home builders must include with their applications an invoice or receipt that shows purchase date, price, and a description of the equipment. See application and supplemental information sheet for full details.

Questar Gas provides rebates for energy efficient appliances and heating equipment, and certain weatherization measures through the ThermWise program. This equipment includes clothes washers, water heaters, furnaces, boilers, windows, insulation and programmable thermostats. A reduced-cost home energy audit is also available to participating customers. To qualify, the appliances must run on gas and must meet the minimum efficiency levels stated on the program web site. The web site also maintains a list of appliance models which meet the requirements and local vendors who sell them. Certain equipment must be installed by an authorized ThermWise contractor. Follow all instructions on the program application and see terms and conditions for other program details.

Questar gas provides incentives for residential customers to purchase and install solar water heating systems on their homes. Rebates of $750 per system are provided to customers of Questar who install solar panels backed up by gas water heaters. To be eligible, customer must include with their applications an invoice or receipt that shows purchase date, price, and a description of the equipment. See application and supplemental information sheet for full details.

Rocky Mountain Power's Energy FinAnswer program provides incentives to help its customers improve the efficiency of existing facilities and build new facilities that are significantly more efficient than code. New construction and retrofit projects for all industrial facilities can participate as well as all new commercial projects and commercial retrofits in facilities larger than 20,000 square feet.

Rocky Mountain Power will be involved from the beginning of construction, starting by reviewing the facility plans and identifying possible efficiency opportunities. Next, Rocky Mountain Power will prepare an energy analysis report consisting of specific recommendations and refined estimates of what each will cost and how much they'll save. It will also include an incentive offer and any commissioning requirements. Rocky Mountain Power pays for this study.

After an incentive agreement has been finalized, purchase orders can be signed and construction can begin. Commissioning submittals and invoices that document the final costs of the energy efficiency measures with labor and material itemized must be delivered to the utility before the incentive payment is made.

Rocky Mountain Power provides incentives for its commercial and industrial customers in Idaho to retrofit existing facilities with more efficient equipment, or install energy efficient equipment in new facilities. Prescriptive rebates are available for pre-approved lighting systems, HVAC equipment and efficient motors. Incentives may also be available for custom efficiency projects which do not fall within one of the pre-approved product types. Equipment installed in new construction is ineligible for a rebate if it is required by the Idaho energy code. Agricultural Incentives are also offered, through the Irrigation Energy Savers program, to growers in Idaho for upgrading the efficiency of their systems.

Rocky Mountain Power provides incentives for residential customers in Idaho to install energy efficient equipment in participating homes. Rebates are available for qualified appliances, weatherization measures and HVAC equipment. Insulation rebates are only available for existing homes, because new homes would already be meeting the program objectives by adhering to the Idaho building code. HVAC rebates are also available only to existing homes. All other rebates can be applied to new or existing homes. Incentives are available for a limited-time-only and will be honored on a first-come, first-served basis according to the postmark date on the application. Rebates will be paid in the form of checks, not utility bill credits. Customers should check with Rocky Mountain Power before beginning any projects to make sure rebates are still in effect. Rebates are also available to contractors who install eligible equipment.