North Carolina

North Carolina offers a tax credit equal to 35% of the cost of eligible renewable energy property constructed, purchased or leased by a taxpayer and placed into service in North Carolina during the taxable year. The credit has been amended several times since its original inception. House Bill 512 of 2009 extended the eligibility to geothermal equipment, extended the expiration date to December 31, 2015, and allowed the credit to be taken against the Gross Premiums Tax. HB 1829 of 2010 further extended this credit to combined heat and power systems. The credit is subject to various ceilings depending on sector and the type of renewable-energy system. The following credit limits for various technologies and sectors apply:

• A maximum of $3,500 per dwelling unit for active solar space heating, combined active solar space and domestic water-heating systems, and passive solar space heating used for a non-business purpose;
• A maximum of $1,400 per installation for solar water-heating systems, including solar pool-heating systems used for a non-business purpose;
• A maximum of $8,400 for geothermal heat pumps and geothermal equipment that uses geothermal energy for water heating or active space heating or cooling used for a non-business purpose;
• A maximum of $10,500 per installation for photovoltaic systems (also known as PV systems or solar-electric systems), wind-energy systems, combined heat and power systems, or certain other renewable-energy systems used for a non-business purpose
• A maximum of $2.5 million* per installation for all solar, wind, hydro, geothermal, combined heat and power (as defined by Section 48 of the U.S. Tax Code), and biomass applications** used for a business purpose***, including PV, daylighting, solar water-heating and space-heating technologies.

Renewable-energy equipment expenditures eligible for the tax credit include the cost of the equipment and associated design; construction costs; and installation costs less any discounts, rebates, advertising, installation-assistance credits, name-referral allowances or other similar reductions provided by public funds. SB 388 of 2010 clarified that federal grants made available by Section 1603 of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Tax Act of 2009 do not constitute public funds.

The allowable credit may not exceed 50% of a taxpayer's state tax liability for the year, reduced by the sum of all other state tax credits. Qualifying renewable-energy systems used for a non-business purpose must take the maximum credit amount allowable for the tax year in which the system is installed. If the credit is not used entirely during the first year, the remaining amount may be carried over for the next five years.

For all other taxpayers, the credit is taken in five equal installments beginning with the year in which the property is placed in service. If the credit is not used entirely during these five years, the remaining amount may be carried over for the next five years. The credit can be taken against franchise tax, corporate tax, income tax, or in the case of insurance companies, against the gross premiums tax.

SB 3 of 2007 amended North Carolina's renewable energy tax credit statute to allow a taxpayer who donates money to a tax-exempt nonprofit to help fund a renewable energy project to claim a tax credit. The donor may claim a share of the credit -- proportional to the project costs donated -- that the nonprofit could claim if the organization were subject to tax. HB 2436 of 2008 applied this same mechanism to donations made to units of state and local governments.

Click the links below to access relevant 2011 tax forms and instructions from the N.C. Department of Revenue.

• NC-478G 2011
• NC-478 2011
• Instructions

* House Bill 1973 of 2010 specified that systems installed for business purposes at a site that has been certified as an eco-industrial park by the Secretary of Commerce are subject to a higher tax credit cap of $5 million. Section 5.1 of the bill describes the characteristics required to be deemed an eco-industrial park.

** The N.C. Tax Credit Guidelines and relevant North Carolina statutes provide a description of the types of biomass and biomass applications that are eligible for the tax credit. (See links above.) Note that residential wood burning stoves do not qualify for this tax credit. If they meet certain energy efficiency standards, however, they may qualify for a federal tax credit.

***HB 1829 of 2010 states "renewable energy property is placed in service for a business purpose if the useful energy generated by the property is offered for sale or is used on-site for a purpose other than providing energy to a residence."

Catawba County is providing incentives to encourage the construction of sustainably built homes and commercial buildings. Rebates on permit fees and plan reviews are available for certain qualifying structures and renewable energy projects. Buildings designed and constructed in accordance with the US Green Building Council's Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED), NC HealthyBuilt Homes, Energy Star, or the National Association of Home Builders' Model Green Home Building Guidelines can receive a 25% blanket permit fee rebate, not to exceed $500. Catawba County will also rebate 50% of fees related to plan review or express plan review for commercial buildings seeking LEED certification.

Additionally, existing one and two family homes and commercial buildings can receive a 50% rebate on the permitting fees associated with the installation of geothermal heat pumps, photovoltaic (PV) systems, solar water heating systems, and gray/rain water collection for flushing fixtures. Regular fees must be paid in full at time of plan review or permit issuance. Fee rebates will be refunded upon project completion and certification by third party inspection agency.

The City of Asheville waives fees for building permits and plan reviews for certain renewable energy technologies and green building certifications for homes and mixed-use commercial buildings. Waivers for building permit fees may apply to residences with the following designations (the regular fee is in parentheses):

• HealthyBuilt Home Certification ($100)
• Energy Star Rating ($100)
• Geothermal heat pumps ($50)
• Solar-energy systems ($50)
• Wind turbines ($50)
• Storm water (gray water) collection device for reuse in yard sprinkler or elsewhere ($50)

Regular fees must be paid in full but will be rebated upon certification. These fee waivers also apply to mixed-use commercial buildings if they include residential space.

The city will also reduce plan review fees by 50% for any building that is seeking LEED certification. Regular fees must be paid in full but will be rebated upon certification.

Lincoln county is providing an incentive for the construction of certified green buildings in the commercial and industrial sector. Only newly constructed buildings are eligible, and they must have a minimum tax assessed value of $2,000,000. The county has chosen the Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) green building rating system as the standard for the program, but may accept projects on a case-by-case basis that are certified through a functionally equivalent certification standard adopted by a functionally similar certification body.

The program will exempt the project from the following fees:

• Up to 95% of the building permit fees
• Up to 95% of the sewer tap fees
• Up to 95% of the water tap fees
• Up to 95% of the sewer capacity development fees
• Up to 95% of the water capacity development fees

The cap on incentives is the lesser of $200,000 or the following values which are based on the building's tax value and the level of LEED certification acheived by the building:

• LEED Certified: 0.1% of the building's tax assessed value
• LEED Silver: 0.2% of the building's tax assessed value
• LEED Gold: 0.5% of the building's tax assessed value
• LEED Platinum: 1.0% of the building's tax assessed value

See Exhibit A of the County Resolution, or contact Lincoln County Planning and Inspections for more information.

To encourage sustainable building practices, North Carolina law allows all counties and cities to provide reductions or partial rebates for building permit fees. To qualify for a fee reduction, buildings must meet guidelines established by the Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) program, the Green Globes program, or another recognized certification program.

SB 1597 of 2008 also granted authority to a few select jurisdictions to provide density bonuses, make adjustments to otherwise applicable development requirements, or provide other incentives to a developer or builder who builds or reconstructs developments which make a significant contribution to the reduction of energy consumption. The local jurisdiction is free to determine their own eligibility criteria based on generally recognized standards including LEED or other national or regional certification programs. Originally limited to just 1 county, 7 cities and 7 towns, this authority was granted to all counties, cities and towns by SB 52 of 2009. 

House Bill 1829 of 2010 reinstated a tax credit for costs incurred in the construction or retooling of a facility to manufacture renewable energy property or "a major component subassembly for a solar array or wind turbine". Eligible costs include construction and equipment costs specifically associated with the manufacture of eligible equipment. The credit is worth 25% of the eligible costs and must be claimed in five equal annual installments beginning with the year the facility is placed in service.

Better Buildings Greensboro (BBG) Grant Program offers residents in Greensboro grants for implementing energy efficient upgrades in their home. Energy efficient upgrades made my residents must increase energy efficiency by at least 15% to qualify for grants. Once upgrades are complete, BBG will conduct an inspection of the residents home for quality standards. Following inspection, BBG will pay the contractor directly. 

For more information see program web site. If residents are interested in further energy efficient upgrades, BBG also offer low financing loans. 

This Program is part of the U.S. Department of Energy's (DOE) Better Buildings Program. The DOE has awarded over $500 million in federal funds to more than 40 states, local governments, and organizations to administer local programs targeting a variety of building types. Combined, these local programs are expected to improve the efficiency of more than 170,000 buildings through 2013 and save up to $65 million in energy costs annually.

North Carolina enacted legislation (H.B. 1389) in August 2009 that authorizes cities and counties to establish revolving loan programs to finance renewable energy and energy efficiency projects that are permanently affixed to residential, commercial or other real property. A revolving loan program generally refers to a loan fund, where the loan repayments and interest are fed back into the fund. In this way, the loan can, in theory, continue indefinitely. HB 1389 allows cities and counties to fund their loan programs through Energy Efficiency and Conservation Block Grants from the federal government and the city's or county's unrestricted revenue. By law, the resulting loan programs may not charge more than 8% interest, and loan terms are limited to 20 years.

H.B. 1829 of 2010 expanded the authority of cities and counties to promote renewable energy and energy efficiency. Cities and counties are still free to provide revolving loan programs, but they can also establish loan loss reserve funds to assist in the financing of eligible projects, or other types of finance programs funded through federal and state grants or their own general revenue.

Contact your local government to find out if it offers financing for renewable energy and/or energy efficiency through this option.

The Town of Carrboro is providing loans to Carrboro businesses and non-profits with fewer than 50 employees to increase their energy efficiency. The current interest rate is 3% and the maximum loan term is 10 years. Loan applicants must give the town their previous 12 utility bills, and must agree to continue submitting their utility bills for 3 years after the work is complete so the town can measure the performance of the retrofits and the success of their program.

A wide variety of efficiency improvements are eligible for financing through this program. Participants are required to have an energy evaluation conducted by a program qualified assessor or contractor prior to submitting their loan application. The energy evaluation will identify the highest priority improvements, and the cost of the evaluation can be included in the loan amount. Solar hot water and photovoltaic (PV) installations are eligible for financing only if they are combined with energy efficiency improvements that are anticipated to yield 15% energy savings.

See website above for more information.

This Program is part of the U.S. Department of Energy's (DOE) Better Buildings Program.  The DOE has awarded over $500 million in federal funds to more than 40 states, local governments, and organizations to administer local programs targeting a variety of building types. Combined, these local programs are expected to improve the efficiency of more than 170,000 buildings through 2013 and save up to $65 million in energy costs annually.

Better Buildings Greensboro Rebate Program offers residents in Greensboro incentives for increasing energy efficiency in their homes. Upgrades must increase energy efficiency by at least 15% to qualify. The rebate amount is 10% of your total upgrade bill up to certain maximum amounts depending on the projected percentage of increased energy efficiency. 

For more information see program web site.

This Program is part of the U.S. Department of Energy's (DOE) Better Buildings Program. The DOE has awarded over $500 million in federal funds to more than 40 states, local governments, and organizations to administer local programs targeting a variety of building types. Combined, these local programs are expected to improve the efficiency of more than 170,000 buildings through 2013 and save up to $65 million in energy costs annually.

Chapel Hill is using money made available to it from the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 to help subsidize energy efficiency improvements in Chapel Hill homes. Qualified homeowners can choose from a list of pre-qualified contractors who will conduct energy assessments to identify improvement areas and will ultimately install the equipment. The town will issue a subsidy of either 20% or 40% of the cost of the project after utility rebates have been deducted. $1,500 is the maximum amount that will be awarded to any home. Solar photovoltaic and geothermal heat pumps will only qualify if they are expected to generate 15% or more in savings when combined with other energy efficiency improvements. See website above for complete details and application forms.

This Program is part of the U.S. Department of Energy's (DOE) Better Buildings Program.  The DOE has awarded over $500 million in federal funds to more than 40 states, local governments, and organizations to administer local programs targeting a variety of building types. Combined, these local programs are expected to improve the efficiency of more than 170,000 buildings through 2013 and save up to $65 million in energy costs annually.

Note: The Federal Housing Financing Agency (FHFA) issued a statement in July 2010 concerning the senior lien status associated with most PACE programs. In response to the FHFA statement, most local PACE programs have been suspended until further clarification is provided.

Property-Assessed Clean Energy (PACE) financing effectively allows property owners to borrow money to pay for energy improvements. The amount borrowed is typically repaid via a special assessment on the property over a period of years. North Carolina has authorized certain local governments to establish such programs, as described below. (As of December 2009, no community in North Carolina offers PACE financing; contact your local government to find out if it has considered establishing a PACE financing program.)

In August 2009, North Carolina enacted legislation (S.B. 97) that authorizes* counties and cities to make special assessments in order to finance the installation of "distributed generation renewable energy sources or energy efficiency improvements that are permanently fixed to residential, commercial, industrial or other real property." Counties and cities that choose to adopt such programs may finance them by revenue bonds, general obligation bonds or general revenues.

For more detailed information, see the University of North Carolina School of Government's resources on the subject:

• An Overview of Special Assessment Bond Authority in North Carolina, published in November 2009.
• Addressing Climate Change Locally: North Carolina Local Government Financing Programs for Private Energy Efficiency Projects

* As of September 2011, no cities or counties in North Carolina have created a PACE program.

NC GreenPower, a statewide green power program designed to encourage the use of renewable energy in North Carolina, offers production payments for grid-tied electricity generated by solar, wind, small hydro (10 megawatts or less) and biomass resources. Payment arrangements for electricity generated by most renewable energy systems may be available by submitting proposals for consideration when NC GreenPower issues an RFP. However, owners of small solar energy systems (5 kW or less) and small wind energy systems (10 kilowatts or less) may currently apply to receive program incentives at any time. Owners of small solar energy systems or wind-energy systems are encouraged to review and fill out an online application, available on the NC GreenPower web site. Note that customer-generators who choose to net meter are not eligible to participate in the NC GreenPower Program.

Generators are required to enter into power-purchase agreements with their North Carolina electric utility and with NC GreenPower. However, because premiums paid to NC GreenPower are funded exclusively by voluntary contributions from North Carolina electric customers, NC GreenPower does not provide guaranteed contracts to generators. Production incentives are based on the amount expected to make the installation of renewable-energy systems approach economic feasibility. The incentives, which include payments from utility power-purchase agreements, are made on a per-kWh basis and vary by technology. Owners of small solar-electric systems enrolled in NC GreenPower receive $0.08/kilowatt-hour (kWh) from the program, plus approximately $0.04/kWh from their utility under the power-purchase agreement, for a total production payment of about $0.12/kWh. Owners of small wind-energy systems receive $0.09/kWh from the program, plus approximately $0.04/kWh from their utility, for a total production payment of about $0.13/kWh.*

NC GreenPower is an independent, nonprofit organization created by state-government officials, electric utilities, nonprofit organizations, consumers, renewable-energy advocates and other stakeholders. It began operation in October 2003 as the first statewide green-power program in the United States. North Carolina's three investor-owned utilities -- Dominion North Carolina Power, Duke Energy and Progress Energy -- and many of the state's municipal utilities and electric cooperatives are participating in the NC GreenPower Program.


* Some North Carolina utilities charge an interconnection fee of approximately $4.00 per month for systems under 10 kW.

Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA) and participating power distributors of TVA power offer a performance-based incentive program to homeowners and businesses for the installation of renewable generation systems from the following qualifying resources: PV, wind, hydropower, and biomass. The long term Green Power Providers program replaces the Generation Partners* pilot program. The energy generated from these renewable generation systems will count towards TVA's green power pricing program, Green Power Switch.

The Green Power Providers program contract term is 20 years. For years 1-10, TVA will purchase 100% of the output from qualifying solar systems at a premium of $0.09** per kilowatt-hour (kWh) and from all other systems at $0.03 kWh** on top of the retail electricity rate. Participants will be paid only the applicable retail rate for years 11-20 of the contract. Premium payments will be reviewed annually by TVA, with plans to phase these payments out over the life of the program. All new participants in the Generation Power Providers program will receive a $1,000 incentive to offset the upfront cost. Participation in the Generation Power Providers program is subject to annual limits imposed by TVA and based upon available budget, the value of renewable technologies to TVA and renewable energy market conditions. Eligible Systems must not have previously generated renewable energy for sale to TVA prior to October 1, 2012, unless the system was part of the Generation Partners pilot.

TVA will retain all rights to all renewable energy credits and any other environmental attributes provided by system. Payment is made by either the Distributor Billing Option or the TVA-Vendor Direct Billing Option. With the Distributor Billing Option, a generation credit is issued by the local power company on the monthly power bill for the home or business where the generation system is located. If a qualifying system produces more electricity than the customer consumes, payment for any excess credits will be issued either monthly or annually, at the discretion of the power company. With the TVA-Vendor Direct Billing Option, participants receive the retail-rate portion of their monthly generation credit from the local power company and the premium rate is issued through a TVA-designated third party vendor.

Qualifying systems will have a minimum total nameplate generation capacity (DC) of 500 watts (W) and a maximum of 50 kilowatts (kW). Systems over 50kW may qualify to participate in TVA’s Mid-Sized Renewable Standard Offer program (link to DSIRE summary). Systems greater than 10 kilowatts in size will be subject to a load requirement. A “load requirement” simply means that the system’s maximum capacity will be limited so that it should not generate more than 100% of the energy usage or consumption at the home or business. TVA will conduct annual program evaluations to set annual MW limits to the program. These limits will be made available on the Generation Power Providers web site. A limit of 2.5 MW in nameplate capacity has been set for the remainder of the 2012 calendar year and 9 MW in nameplate capacity for the 2013 calendar year.

Installations must comply with local codes and adhere to guidelines established by the program. All equipment must be in compliance with environmental regulations and national standards, certified by a licensed electrician, and meet all applicable codes. Systems must be dual-metered, have an external disconnect switch, be grid-tied, and be validated under an interconnection agreement.

* Existing Generation Partners participants may qualify for a 10 year contract extension to be paid at retail prices.

**Prices reflect Premium Rates for 2013 Calendar Year and are applicable for agreements executed and dated by TVA on or after January 1, 2013 but on or prior to December 31, 2013.

The Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA) now compliments the small generation Green Power Switch Generation Partners Program by providing incentives for mid-sized renewable energy generators between 50kW and 20MW to enter into long term price contracts. The goal for total production from all participants is 100MW, with no more than 50MW from any one renewable technology.

 TVA bases the standard offer for customer generators off of a seasonal time-of-day averages chart, which sets base prices for the term of the contract. These prices increase at a rate of 3% per year and may be changed with 90 days notice by TVA (no more than 1% per year). For 2012, the average price is expected to be $0.055/kWh, with a maximum of $0.016/kWh and a minimum of $0.035/kWh. Learn more about pricing here. Generation is recorded monthly through metering equipment installed by TVA and paid for by the participant.

All energy output, Renewable Energy Credits (RECs), or other environmental attributes from installations under this program belong to TVA, and all marketing of the program should indicate that TVA (not the power seller) consumes all of the energy from these renewable energy projects. Biomass, Wind, or Photovoltaics can be interconnected through either TVA's transmission system or partners' distribution systems under 10, 15, or 20 year contracts. Biomass should co-fire 50% or more with the fuel consumption content approved by TVA and separately metered. The remainder of the biomass production can be purchased through the TVA's Dispersed Power Production Program.

Before approval, the seller must provide TVA with project financing arrangements, interconnection agreements between the seller and either TVA or a Distributor, and TVA metering installation plans at an environmentally acceptable location. The participating power producer is responsible for interconnection, performance assurance, and application costs. TVA, or an approved third party, will also perform an environmental review at the seller’s cost.

North Carolina offers a tax credit equal to 35% of the cost of eligible renewable energy property constructed, purchased or leased by a taxpayer and placed into service in North Carolina during the taxable year. The credit has been amended several times since its original inception. House Bill 512 of 2009 extended the eligibility to geothermal equipment, extended the expiration date to December 31, 2015, and allowed the credit to be taken against the Gross Premiums Tax. HB 1829 of 2010 further extended this credit to combined heat and power systems. The credit is subject to various ceilings depending on sector and the type of renewable-energy system. The following credit limits for various technologies and sectors apply:

• A maximum of $3,500 per dwelling unit for active solar space heating, combined active solar space and domestic water-heating systems, and passive solar space heating used for a non-business purpose;
• A maximum of $1,400 per installation for solar water-heating systems, including solar pool-heating systems used for a non-business purpose;
• A maximum of $8,400 for geothermal heat pumps and geothermal equipment that uses geothermal energy for water heating or active space heating or cooling used for a non-business purpose;
• A maximum of $10,500 per installation for photovoltaic systems (also known as PV systems or solar-electric systems), wind-energy systems, combined heat and power systems, or certain other renewable-energy systems used for a non-business purpose
• A maximum of $2.5 million* per installation for all solar, wind, hydro, geothermal, combined heat and power (as defined by Section 48 of the U.S. Tax Code), and biomass applications** used for a business purpose***, including PV, daylighting, solar water-heating and space-heating technologies.

Renewable-energy equipment expenditures eligible for the tax credit include the cost of the equipment and associated design; construction costs; and installation costs less any discounts, rebates, advertising, installation-assistance credits, name-referral allowances or other similar reductions provided by public funds. SB 388 of 2010 clarified that federal grants made available by Section 1603 of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Tax Act of 2009 do not constitute public funds.

The allowable credit may not exceed 50% of a taxpayer's state tax liability for the year, reduced by the sum of all other state tax credits. Qualifying renewable-energy systems used for a non-business purpose must take the maximum credit amount allowable for the tax year in which the system is installed. If the credit is not used entirely during the first year, the remaining amount may be carried over for the next five years.

For all other taxpayers, the credit is taken in five equal installments beginning with the year in which the property is placed in service. If the credit is not used entirely during these five years, the remaining amount may be carried over for the next five years. The credit can be taken against franchise tax, corporate tax, income tax, or in the case of insurance companies, against the gross premiums tax.

SB 3 of 2007 amended North Carolina's renewable energy tax credit statute to allow a taxpayer who donates money to a tax-exempt nonprofit to help fund a renewable energy project to claim a tax credit. The donor may claim a share of the credit -- proportional to the project costs donated -- that the nonprofit could claim if the organization were subject to tax. HB 2436 of 2008 applied this same mechanism to donations made to units of state and local governments.

Click the links below to access relevant 2011 tax forms and instructions from the N.C. Department of Revenue.

• NC-478G 2011
• NC-478 2011
• Instructions

* House Bill 1973 of 2010 specified that systems installed for business purposes at a site that has been certified as an eco-industrial park by the Secretary of Commerce are subject to a higher tax credit cap of $5 million. Section 5.1 of the bill describes the characteristics required to be deemed an eco-industrial park.

** The N.C. Tax Credit Guidelines and relevant North Carolina statutes provide a description of the types of biomass and biomass applications that are eligible for the tax credit. (See links above.) Note that residential wood burning stoves do not qualify for this tax credit. If they meet certain energy efficiency standards, however, they may qualify for a federal tax credit.

***HB 1829 of 2010 states "renewable energy property is placed in service for a business purpose if the useful energy generated by the property is offered for sale or is used on-site for a purpose other than providing energy to a residence."

Active solar heating and cooling systems may not be assessed at more than the value of a conventional system for property tax purposes. This law applies only to active solar systems and does not include any land or structural elements of buildings, such as walls and roofs, or other equipment ordinarily contained in a building. Specifically, a "system" includes all controls, tanks, pumps, heat exchangers and other equipment used directly and exclusively for the conversion of solar energy for heating or cooling. Systems placed on residential, commercial and industrial property are eligible for this exclusion.

In August 2008, North Carolina enacted legislation that exempts 80% of the appraised value of a "solar energy electric system" (also known as a photovoltaic, or PV, system) from property tax. For the purposes of this assessment, the term "solar energy electric system" means "all equipment used directly and exclusively for the conversion of solar energy to electricity." This incentive is effective for taxable years beginning on or after July 1, 2008.

A Memorandum sent to County Commissioners in February 2011 clarified that residential PV systems that are not used to generate income or in connection with a business may be entirely exempt from property taxes as non-business personal property. The Memorandum provides further guidance for determining if a system can be exempted as non-business personal property. System owners should review the Memorandum and consult their local property assessment office if they have questions.

In July 2008, North Carolina enacted legislation establishing a "sales tax holiday" for certain Energy Star-certified products. Energy Star appliances sold between 12:01 a.m. on the first Friday of November and 11:59 p.m. on the following Sunday qualify for the sales tax exemption.

The exemption is generally available for the following products if they carry the Energy Star label:

• Clothes washers
• Freezers and refrigerators
• Central air conditioners and room air conditioners
• Air-source heat pumps
• Ceiling fans
• Dehumidifiers
• Programmable thermostats

This exemption does not involve the sale of a product for use in a trade or business, or for rental appliances.

The North Carolina Housing Finance Agency encourages the construction of energy efficient affordable housing through their SystemVision Energy Guarantee Program. The Agency will provide a construction subsidy of $4,000 to nonprofits and local governments for each home they develop through the New Homes Loan Pool or the Self-Help Loan Pool following SystemVision guidelines. The guidelines, developed by Advanced Energy, include specific energy efficiency standards such as smart mechanical ventilation systems that control indoor air quality and humidity levels. Nonprofits and local governments can also earn an additional $1,000 for each home they develop which meets SystemVision standards and is certified by the HealthyBuilt Homes program, or similar home certification program.

Four-County EMC offers the Comfort Loan Program to residential customers. This program offers financing for insulation upgrades, the replacement of an existing heating/cooling system with an electric energy-efficient heat pump or air conditioning unit, and the purchase of certain energy-efficient water heaters. In order to qualify for the financing, heat pumps and air conditioners must have a minimum SEER of 13. The maximum loan amount for heat pumps and air conditioners is $5,000. The maximum loan amount for a water heater is $700. The loan is unsecured and payable over 60 months, with a minimum monthly payment of $25. Interested customers should contact the Four-County EMC office for more information.

Haywood EMC offers a low interest loan to residential customers to finance the purchase of an energy efficient heat pump and certain weatherization measures. The current interest rate is 5% and the loan has a maximum payback time of 60 months. In order to apply for the loan, customers must submit an application, an approved credit check, a copy of land deed, a quote from a licensed HVAC contractor with a "load calculation" report, and a processing fee of $150. The heat pump must be 15 SEER of higher and Energy Star certified to be eligible for this loan program.

Lumbee River Electric Membership Corporation (LREMC) offers low interest loans to help residential members increase the energy efficiency of homes. Loans up to $10,000 are available for the purchase and installation of:

• thermal windows and doors
• attic ventilation fans
• water heaters
• foundation vents
• insulation and or mastic sealing of duct work
• a heat pump
• a gas pack
• insulation of ceilings, walls, floors, storm doors and windows

Loans of $2,000 or less will be secured as signature loan. Loans in excess of $2,000 will be secured by a deed of trust against the home and property. To qualify for a loan, the property on which the improvements are to be made must be titled in the customer's name and be receiving service from LREMC. The applicant must have a good credit rating as determined by the cooperative. The structure on which the improvements are to be made must be at least five years old.

Lumbee River EMC is offering 1.50% loans to residential customers for the installation of solar water heaters on their homes.  To qualify, the systems must be certified OG-300 by the Solar Ratings and Certification Council (SRCC) and installed by a program-approved contractor or an installer certified by the North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP). Loans of $2,000 or less will be secured as a signature loan. Loans in excess of $2,000 will be secured by a deed of trust against the home and property.  Lumbee River EMC also provides rebates for solar water heaters.  Customer must choose between the rebate and this loan; they may not accept both.  

Piedmont Electric Membership Corporation's (PEMC) Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy Loan Program is available to eligible consumers to finance the purchase and installation of energy efficient residential upgrades. Approved consumers may borrow up to $10,000 for seven years at a five percent interest rate. Loans are available for central air conditioning, heat pumps, windows, doors and insulation.  In addition to energy efficient measures and equipment, residents may also use this program to finance the installation of photovoltaic (PV) systems and solar water heaters. Piedmont EMC also offers rebates for residential solar water heating systems.  Contact PEMC for further information about these programs.

Piedmont Electric Membership Corporation's (PEMC) Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy Loan Program is available to eligible consumers to finance the purchase and installation of photovoltaic (PV) and solar water heating systems. Approved consumers may borrow up to $10,000 for seven years at a five percent interest rate. Contact PEMC for further information about this program. In addition to solar equipment, residents may also use this program to finance the installation of certain energy efficiency improvements. Piedmont EMC also offers rebates for residential solar water heating systems.

Tideland Electric Membership Cooperative (TEMC) is an electric cooperative that serves customers in Craven, Dare, Washington, Pamlico, Beaufort and Hyde counties. Home, farm and business owners are able to take advantage of TEMC's five percent-interest Weatherization Loan Program.

This loan will cover the purchase and installation of energy efficient measures such as caulking, weather-stripping, HVAC measures, storm doors and equipment insulation for existing buildings. Heat pumps should meet the energy efficiency requirements as established by TEMC. Repayment terms vary by the loan amount. If the requested loan amount is $10,000 or more the loan must be secured by a first or second Deed of Trust. Loan recipients must have been a customer of TEMC and occupied the space for at least one year. For more information on how to apply for the loan and possible improvements eligible, see the program web site above.

The Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA) energy right Heat Pump Plan provides financing to promote the installation of high efficiency heat pumps in homes and small businesses. Installation, performance, and weatherization standards ensure the appropriate sizing of equipment and operation of the system. TVA maintains a Quality Contractor Network (QCN) from which customers can choose an installer. Through a third-party lender, TVA provides financing for residential heat pumps with repayment on the customer’s electric bill and a term of up to 10 years. The programs are independently administered by local power companies served by TVA.

Union Power Cooperative offers low interest loans to help its residential customers finance new, energy-efficient heat pumps. Interest rates, currently at 9%, will be fixed for the term of the loan. Loans can be up to $7,500 over five years. Customers pay back the loan with payments on monthly electric bills. There is a one time loan filing fee of $42.  Contact Union Power Cooperative for more information regarding this program.

Duke Energy encourages residential customers to buy energy-efficient homes through the utility's Energy Star Homes Program, which awards a rate discount to customers living in Energy Star homes. Customers receive a discount on per kWh usage after the first 350 kWh per month. To earn the Energy Star label, homes are tested by a third-party inspector to ensure they meet the U.S. Department of Energy's criteria. Generally speaking, a home must be at least 30% more efficient than the national Model Energy Code for homes or 15% more efficient than the state energy code, whichever is more rigorous. The home test is the responsibility of the customer and/or the builder, and the cost range is from $300 to $500. The size of the home and the inspector’s travel time may affect the cost. Typical characteristics of an Energy Star home include:

• Effective insulation
• High-performance windows
• Tight construction and tight ducts
• Energy-efficient HVAC equipment
• Independent testing provided by third-party inspectors

Please refer to Schedule ES for more information.

Piedmont Electric Membership Corporation (PEMC) offers an incentive to residential customers for residing in an energy efficient home. To qualify, the home must meet the standards of the US Environmental Protection Agency's Energy Star-labeled home program and be verified by a registered third party. Eligible houses will receive a discount on monthly electric bills from PEMC. A variety of discount rates may apply to eligible homes. Contact PEMC for more information on this program or view the program web site.

Progress Energy Carolinas (PEC) offers an incentive to residential customers for purchasing or building new energy efficient homes. To qualify the home must meet the standards of the US Environmental Protection Agency's Energy Star-labeled home program and be verified by a registered third party. Eligible houses will receive a 5% discount on monthly electric bills from Progress Energy. Contact PEC for more information on this incentive program.

This discounted rate is available to commercial customers whose building meets the U.S. Green Building Council’s Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) certification or equivalent. To qualify, the customer must be on the Rate 125. Qualifying customers pay $.05 per therm less than otherwise applicable Rate 125. For buildings that use equivalent means to qualify, a registered professional engineer’s statement must be provided that states that the building uses no more energy, on a per square foot basis, than a LEED certified building. Residential homes must produce a statement from a registered professional engineer that states that the home uses no more energy, on a per square foot basis, than an Energy Star home. After receiving documentation that a home qualifies, PSNC Energy will assign the customer’s account to Rate Schedule 102, which entails a $0.05 discount per therm from Rate Schedule 101.Upon receiving documentation that a building qualifies, PSNC Energy will assign the customer’s account to Rate Schedule 127, which entails the $0.05 discount per therm.

Randolph Electric Membership Corporation offers a special electric bill discount to members who increase the energy efficiency of homes through the Energy Efficient Home Discount Program. Members who have all-electric homes and who meet the qualifying efficiency levels are eligible for discounts on Time-of-Use electric rates. This 4.25% discount may only apply to certain months and may be in effect for a certain number of kilowatt-hours used. Contact Randolph EMC about incentive availability and disbursement structure. Qualified homes must meet insulation, ventilation, water heating, space heating and other requirements before becoming eligible. Contact Randolph EMC for more information.

Carteret Craven Electric Cooperative (CCEC) offers a variety of energy efficiency rebates to residential customers. Rebates are available on dishwashers, clothes washers, refrigerators, freezers, Energy Star new manufactured and site-built homes, air-source heat pumps, and geothermal heat pumps. All appliances must be Energy Star in order to qualify for the program. New site built and manufactured homes must also meet Energy Star standards in order to receive rebates. CCEC can also assist customers through a $100 energy audit; the cost of which will be half refunded if measures suggested by the audit are pursued.  A weatherization assistance program is also available to aid income-qualified customers in sealing and weatherizing their homes.  Customers may visit the website listed above for additional program information.

The City of Concord Electric Department offers an incentive program encouraging its residential customers to replace their existing HVAC system with a more energy efficient heat pump system.  Heat pumps between one and five tons in size with a SEER of 14 and above qualify for a $400 rebate.  Single family residential electric customers with non-delinquent accounts are eligible to apply for this rebate.  A copy of the sales invoice from the contractor who completed the installation of the heat pump system must be supplied to the City of Concord Electric Department, along with a completed rebate application, within 60 days of the purchase.  Visit the program website, or contact the City of Concord Electric Department, for further information and applications. 

The City of High Point offers the Hometown Green Program to help customers reduce energy use. Under this program, rebates are available for newly constructed energy efficient homes, heat pumps, and electric water heaters. The $400 heat pump rebate is available to any residential customer whose electric service is provided by the city of High Point. In order to qualify, the heat pump must be between 1 and 5 tons, have a SEER rating of 14 or more, and be installed by an authorized/licensed electrical or HVAC contractor who has a privilege license to work in the City of High Point. The $150 water heater rebate is available to all City of High Point electric customers. In order to qualify, the water heater must be electric, have a capacity of 30 gallons or more, and be installed by an authorized/licensed plumbing contractor who has a privilege license to work in the City of High Point.

The Hometown Green Program also encourages customers to build or purchase a home which meets Energy Star Home standards. Qualified homes are at least 15% more energy efficient than homes built to the 2004 International Residential Code (IRC) and they include additional efficient features that typically make them 20 – 30% more efficient than a standard home. Under the City of High Point program, a $500 rebate is available for new single-family homes which meet the program's specified requirements. The rebate form must be completed and returned to the address listed on this page.

The City of New Bern Electric Department offers rebates to its residential customers for installing new replacement energy efficient water heaters and heat pumps. Appliances must be electric and load management switches must be installed on the appliances, or the existing switch must be reconnected to the new equipment. A copy of the bill of sale with the model and serial number is required. Once approved, the rebate will be applied to the customer’s electric account. If a request to remove the load management switch is made within two years of the date that the rebate credit is issued, the full amount of the rebate credit will be charged back to the customer’s electric account. Additional information and the rebate application can be found on the program website.

The City of Statesville Electric Utility Department offers rebates to its residential customers for installing new, energy efficient water heaters and heat pumps. To qualify for the heat pump rebate, customers must convert from gas or oil to a new electric heat pump, install a heat pump as part of new construction or install a heat pump in existing construction. Rebates are also paid for the replacement of existing heat pumps as well as for the installation of hybrid or dual fuel heat pumps. Customers must submit an application with a receipt for the new heat pump or electric water heater. Please email or call Joe Blevins to obtain an application and/or for additional information. An inspection may be required before the City will award the rebate.

Duke Energy’s Smart $aver Incentive program offers rebates to non-residential customers to install energy efficient equipment in their facilities. All Duke Energy North Carolina nonresidential electric customers are eligible, except those that have elected to opt out of the Energy Efficiency Rider. Rebates are available for a wide range of equipment including lighting, heating and cooling equipment, chillers and thermal storage units, motors, pumps, VFDs, process equipment, and food service equipment. All equipment must meet certain energy efficiency standards stated on the program web site. To receive the rebates, customers should submit a completed application within 90 days after the equipment is installed and operational. A list of frequently asked questions and the program application forms can be found on the program web site.

Custom applications for up to 50% of cost on any electricity saving device can be sent to CustomIncentives@duke-energy.com. Three levels of energy assessments are available for commercial customers: online, over the phone, and on-site visits by an energy professional providing a report with paybacks. The on-site visits require a fee which can be recouped within the Smart $aver Incentives program; to begin, customers can contact businessservicecenter@duke-energy.com. Demand response programs are also available, providing rewards and load curtailment via a dedicated web portal for each commercial customer.

The Smart $aver® program offers incentives for residential customers to increase residential energy efficiency. Incentives are provided for qualifying heating and cooling equipment installation and service, attic insulation with air sealing, duct insulation, and duct sealing. Duke Energy Carolinas electric residential retail customers residing in a single-family home, condominium, duplex or mobile home are eligible for the incentives. All incentives are paid after completion of the services. Residential customers are also eligible for a free energy audit through the Home Energy House Call program. Interested customers should call 1-877-388-7676 to set up an appointment.

Commercial and industrial members who upgrade to energy-efficient light bulbs which meet EnergyUnited's standards are eligible for a prescriptive, "per unit" rebate. The cooperative will provide a rebate of $0.30 for each watt saved by the lighting upgrade. Fixtures which have had older bulbs replaced by highly efficient ones are eligible for the rebate. The new light bulbs must have a manufacturer's rated life of 36,000 hours or greater to qualify and must be installed in a professional manner. Rebate criteria are subject only to EnergyUnited standards. Contact an EnergyUnited representative for more information on this offering.

EnergyUnited offers rebates to residential customers who upgrade to high efficiency heat pumps. Rebates range from $150 - $300, varying by efficiency. The rebate form can be found on the program website and must be completed by the installing HVAC contractor. Each unit will require a separate form in order to qualify for rebates. Systems must be appropriately sized, recognized by the Air Conditioning, Heating, and Refrigeration Institute (AHRI) and have an official ARI rating. Copies of the ARI certification, County Inspection and sales invoice must be included with each rebate form.  Forms can be faxed to the number listed below or mailed to the address provided. All installations must be professionally installed, maintain insulated and sealed ductwork, obtain all necessary permits and inspections and abide by all applicable codes. View the program website listed above for more information or contact EnergyUnited.

Four-County EMC offers its customers $50 rebates for purchasing certain Energy Star appliances. Eligible appliances include refrigerators, dishwashers, clothes washers and freezers. The rebates are available to residential customers who are replacing older appliances or buying new appliances for the first time. In order to qualify for the rebate, Energy Star documentation and a proof of purchase receipt are required. An additional $50 dollar rebate is available to customers who properly recycle their old refrigerators and freezers.  Interested customers should call Four-County EMC  or visit the program website for more information.

Jones-Onslow Electric Membership Corporation offers rebates to residential members who install energy efficient heating and cooling equipment. Members can replace an existing central AC or heat pump, which does not have a SEER rating greater than 13, with a central AC, heat pump, or geothermal heat pump. Rebates can vary depending on SEER rating of new equipment. New homes cannot qualify for this rebate.

See web site for more details.  

Lumbee River EMC (LREMC) offers rebates to its residential customers who purchase and install qualified energy efficient products or services. Rebates are available for water heaters, refrigerator/freezer recycling, heat pumps, air conditioners, and programmable thermostats. Services or products offered through the program have efficiency standards that must be met in order to receive a rebate. See the web site listed above for more information on these services and products. Forms are available at each cooperative office and are also located on the program web site. LREMC also offers an Energy Star for New Homes program for builders. Contact LREMC for any information on these programs.

Lumbee River EMC is offering $850 rebates to residential customers who install solar water heaters on their homes.  To qualify, the systems must be certified OG-300 by the Solar Ratings and Certification Council (SRCC) and installed by a program-approved contractor or an installer certified by the North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP).  Lumbee River EMC also provides loans for solar water heaters.  Customer must choose between the loan and this rebate; they may not accept both.  

Piedmont Electric Membership Corporation (PEMC) offers a financial incentive for residential members to install energy efficient heat pumps and compact fluorescent lighting in eligible homes. Rebates are available to PEMC members who install an electric heat pump with a SEER of 15 or higher and have a completely electric home. The rebate equals $50 per ton, up to four tons per system. Customers who replace incandescent lighting with compact fluorescent (CFL) bulbs are eligible for a credit of $0.50 per bulb on their power bill.  Customers can receive credits for up to 30 CFL bulbs. Contact PEMC or visit the program web site for more information on these programs.

Piedmont Electric Membership Corporation is offering a $500 rebate to its residential members who install solar water heaters on their homes. The utility recommends but does not require the system to be certified by the Solar Rating and Certification Corporation (SRCC)* and installed by a North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) installer.

*The federal government requires solar water heating systems to be SRCC certified in order to qualify for the 30% federal tax credit

Piedmont Natural Gas offers rebates to commercial customers for purchasing and installing high-efficiency natural gas tankless water heaters. Customers on the 102-Small General Service and 152-Medium General Service rate schedules are eligible for these rebates. Rebates are only provided for qualifying natural gas water heaters installed to replace previously used natural gas-fired equipment. Newly Constructed buildings and facilities using alternate fuel sources such as electricity or propane are not eligible. Customers must provide specific information regarding equipment purchases and installation contractors on the application form. Contact Piedmont Natural Gas for more information on this program.

Piedmont Natural Gas offers rebates on high-efficiency natural gas tankless water heaters, tank water heaters and furnaces. Customers on the 101-Residential Service rate are eligible for these rebates. Rebates are only provided for qualifying natural gas equipment that is installed to replace previously used natural gas-fired equipment. Newly Constructed homes and homes using alternate fuel source such as electricity or propane are not eligible. Customers must provide specific information regarding equipment purchases and installation contractors on the application form. Contact Piedmont Natural Gas for more information on this program.

Progress Energy is working with lighting manufacturers and local retailers to offer discounted pricing on CFLs.  The residential lighting program at Progress Energy's gives discounts at over 400 retail locations throughout NC and SC. Contact Progress Energy for more information on this offering.
 

Progress Energy provides rebates for energy efficiency measures in new construction or retrofits, as well as Technical Assistance for feasibility/energy studies to commercial, industrial and government organizations. Incentives are based on prescriptive rebate amounts listed above or custom amounts based on annual kilowatt-hours (kWh) saved. Prescriptive rebate amounts are available on the program application forms on the Progress Energy web site listed above. A Custom Whole Building incentive for new construction modeled 10% beyond applicable building code can receive $0.09 per annual kWh saved up to $0.14 per annual kWh saved for designs exceeding 20% beyond code.

New buildings greater than 20,000 square feet and designed with a projected first-year electrical savings of at least 15% beyond the applicable building code can receive a design incentive of $.05 per kWh of projected first year savings, up to a maximum of $50,000, or a Building Energy Modeling Incentive up to $20,000, not to exceed the total cost of the modeling service., For retrofits to buildings that use over 500,000 kWh, customers can receive up to 50% of the cost of an energy or feasibility study or retro-commissioning up to $20,000 for a facility every three years.

Once a project is identified, a pre-approval incentive application should be submitted to Progress Energy. Pre-approval is required for some lighting projects and all custom projects, and technical assistance and is strongly encouraged for all projects to reserve funding. A final application and all required documentation should be received by Progress Energy within 90 days of project completion.

Progress Energy provides incentives for residential customers to increase home energy efficiency. Rebates are provided for certain heating and cooling products, duct sealing and repairs, air sealing and upgraded insulation, and heat pump water heaters. To qualify, the equipment must meet the efficiency requirements outlined on the program web site and the home must be at least one year old. Customers also must use a contractor approved by Progress Energy to participate in the program. Customers must submit an application form, including equipment cut sheets and original contractor invoice, within 90 days of completion of the work. More details and a list of approved contractors are available on the program web site. Contact Progress Energy for further information on this program.

Note: This program is budgeted to support a total of 1 MW of residential systems per year. As of December 5, 2012, there is 137 kW of remaining capacity available for 2012. See the web site above for the current status. 

Progress Energy is offering incentives for their residential customers to install photovoltaics (PV) systems on their homes through their SunSense Program. The incentive is multifaceted. Customers will receive an upfront payment of $1,000 for every kilowatt-AC (kW-AC) they install on their home, and they will receive monthly credits on their bill of $4.50 per kW-AC. For instance, if a customer installs a 10 kW-AC system, the largest system eligible to participate in the program, the customer will receive a check of $10,000 plus a bill credit of $45 on their monthly bills.

To participate in the program, the customer must surrender all their Renewable Energy Credits (RECs*) to Progress Energy for a period of five years and they will receive the $4.50 per kW bill credits throughout those five years. After those first five years, there may be an opportunity for the customer to renew their REC contract with Progress Energy under the terms of the agreement that exists at that time.

Systems must be connected to the grid and be net metered to participate. As a condition of the net metering agreement, the residence must be billed on a time of use tariff, where their electricity rate is a factor of the time of day and year.

*Progress Energy is purchasing RECs to comply with North Carolina's renewable energy and energy efficiency portfolio standard. Since Progress Energy is purchasing the RECs, customers cannot sell their RECs to NC GreenPower or any other REC purchaser for the duration of their contract with Progress Energy.

PSNC offers rebates to customers who purchase energy-efficient natural gas water heaters or natural gas furnaces. The rebate is available only when existing natural gas-fired water heating or heating equipment is replaced with more energy-efficient natural gas-fired equipment. To qualify, replacement equipment must be purchased after March 20, 2009, and must meet specified efficiency requirements. Customers must complete the "rebate application form" on the program web site and provide an itemized receipt within 90 days of purchase.

Agricultural members of Randolph EMC (REMC) who upgrade to energy-efficient CFL bulbs in agricultural facilities are eligible for an incentive to help cover the initial cost of installation. The cooperative will cover 25% of the cost of the lighting upgrade. The program targets the adoption of CFL lighting technology specifically. Contact REMC for questions regarding lighting project eligibility. Rebate criteria are subject only to Randolph EMC standards. Contact a Randolph EMC representative for more information on this offering.

Commercial and industrial members who upgrade to energy-efficient light bulbs which meet Randolph EMC's standards are eligible for a prescriptive incentive payment. The cooperative will provide a rebate of $0.30 for each watt saved by the lighting upgrade. Fixtures which have had older bulbs replaced by highly efficient ones are eligible for the rebate. Savings and resulting incentives from the new installation are calculated using a baseline energy usage established by the replaced fixtures. Rebate criteria are subject only to Randolph EMC standards. Contact a Randolph EMC representative for more information on this offering.

South River EMC (SREMC) offers a rebate to eligible business customers who wish to upgrade the energy efficiency of lighting systems. The business must upgrade from an older, less efficient system to a high-efficiency system. An incentive of $0.30 per watt saved is available to eligible lighting projects.  For commercial customers switching fron incandescent bulbs to more efficient CFL or LED bulbs, a rebate of $1 per bulb is available.  Non-lighting efficiency upgrades may also be considered on a case-by-case basis. SREMC Rebates are subject to change, and approval for the rebate is contingent on funding availability. Visit the program web site above for more details.

South River EMC offers a variety of rebates encouragings its members to invest in energy efficient appliances, equipment, and home upgrades.  Incentives are available for clothes washers, refrigerators, freezers, dishwashers and programmable thermostats. These appliances must carry the Energy Star label and have been purchased within 90 days of the rebate application's submission.  Additional bebates exist for air-source and geothermal heat pumps, lighting upgrades, weatherization measures, and refrigerator or freezer recycling.  Be sure to check the program website listed above for detailed information on how to apply for these rebates and specific program requirements and guidelines.  Contact South River EMC with any questions.

South River EMC offers incentives to home buyers and builders who purchase or construct Energy Star certified single-family site built homes, manufactured homes, and multi-family dwellings. Energy Star homes must meet strict guidelines for energy efficiency set by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. These homes are at least 15% more energy efficient than homes built to the International Residential Code, and generally include additional energy-saving features that typically make them 20–30% more efficient than average homes. Rebates differ based upon the classification of home (manufactured, site-built single family home, or multi-family dwelling) applying for rebate and whether customer is purchasing or building the home. Contractors and residents must ensure that homes have been inspected and meet standards before receiving incentive. SREMC must have an official copy of the HERS rater's report. All rebates are contingent upon utility approval, the HERS rater's report, and funding availability. See the Residential Energy Services Network (RESNET) Web site for a list of HERS raters in North Carolina. Visit the program web site listed above for guidelines, forms and other important information.

South River Electric Membership Corporation (EMC) is providing rebates to encourage their customers to install solar water heating systems. To be eligible for the rebate solar collectors must have OG-100 certification by the Solar Rating and Certification Corporation. (SRCC), and solar water heating systems must have SRCC OG-300 certification. Systems must also incorporate adequate freeze and over heat protection controls that do not require manual operations on the part of the system owner. System owners will have 90 days to apply for a rebate after their system has been installed. South River EMC will also inspect all systems before rewarding a rebate check.

TVA offers the Energy Right Solutions Program to commercial and industrial facilities. In addition to prescriptive rebates for lighting, motors, HVAC, and kitchen equipment, administrators take a custom baseline of pre-installation demand and compare to post installation measurements to determine the financial incentive amount in kilowatt-hour values. The incentives program is offered along with complimentary energy assessments and reviews to determine potential areas for savings. Customers can work with designers and installers to develop a project plan and complete a participation application form. Participants should receive a pre-installation incentive notification letter before removing any existing equipment.

The Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA) energy right New Homes Plan provides incentives for all-electric, energy-efficient new homes by offering graduated rebates for new homes. Homes built at least 7% better than code qualify for the entry level of the program while those built 15% better qualify as energy right Platinum or Platinum Certified (ENERGY STAR Certified). A variety of efficiency standards must be met in order to reach the specified levels. In addition, incentives are offered for advanced water heaters installed in new homes.

The energy right Manufactured Homes Program promotes the installation of electric heat pumps in new manufactured homes. Program features include a network of HVAC contractors and incentives. Customers should contact their local utilities to see what programs are offered.

The TVA energy right Water Heater Plan promotes the installation of high efficiency water heaters in homes and small businesses. TVA provides a $50 incentive to local power companies for each installation. Power Companies may pass these incentives on to customers.

Customers should contact their local power company to see what programs are offered.