Energy-Efficiency Rebates and Services in Connecticut
If you’re a Connecticut electric customer and have your electricity delivered by Connecticut Light & Power (CL&P), you can take advantage of several energy-efficiency rebates and energy-efficiency services that are designed to help you reduce monthly electric bill costs.
All residential and commercial electric customers in the utility’s service territory are eligible for energy-saving programs, even if they buy their electricity from an alternative supplier such as Spark Energy.
All programs are supported by the Connecticut Energy Efficiency Fund and administered by CL&P unless otherwise noted.
Home Energy Solutions program
Under the Home Energy Solutions (HES) program, a specialist will perform an energy assessment of your home, whether you rent or own, and provide information on ways you can lower your energy bills. HES specialists often look at how your home is sealed against air leaks, how your appliances use energy, and how efficient your lighting is. There are three HES programs, including a basic and advanced energy assessment, and an assessment for low-income households.
Quality Installation and Verification program
Not every air conditioner, heat pump, or furnace has been installed correctly. In fact, ENERGY STAR estimates that more than half of all HVAC systems suffer from poor performance due to installation issues. The Quality Installation and Verification (QIV) program ensures that your HVAC equipment is installed for the best performance and reliability, which can lead to lower energy bills, increased reliability, longer equipment life, improved indoor air quality, and improved comfort.
ENERGY STAR’ qualified retail products
Electric customers are eligible for rebates on ENERGY STAR’ qualified lighting products and appliances through the utility’s ENERGY STAR Retail Products programs. The programs provide retail incentives and markdowns, which are offered on “marked” products in stores that have already been discounted. Products include lighting fixtures, CFL and LED light bulbs, clothes washers, dehumidifiers, dishwashers, refrigerators/freezers, and air conditioners.
Residential new home construction rebates
When building a new home, utility customers can take advantage of the Residential New Home Construction Program. The utility will provide a program manager to help you through the application process and ensure that you receive all your eligible program benefits. Eligibility requirements for the programs mandate that a new construction incentive application must be submitted before a home is insulated.
Multi-family properties
The multi-family program helps owners of new constructions or existing buildings that house multiple tenants participate in various energy-efficiency rebates and services programs offered by utilities. Buildings are considered multi-family if they have more than three connected units, mixed-use within the same building, or if they fall under the control of a property manager, association, or housing authority. Examples of eligible buildings include apartment complexes, dorms, and assisted living facilities.
High-efficiency HVAC system rebate
CL&P offers a $250 cash rebate for qualifying energy-efficient central air conditioning systems or heat pump systems. Qualifying systems must be installed by March 1, 2012, and may garner additional incentives by participating in the QIV program.
Heat pump water heater rebate
You may be eligible for a $400 cash rebate if you replace your old, inefficient electric water heater with an efficient heat pump water heater. Qualifying systems must be ENERGY STAR-qualified with an Energy Factor of 2.0 or greater and must be installed before December 31, 2011.
Ductless heat pumps and geothermal systems
Utility customers who are heating their homes with electric baseboards or wall heaters, or who are building new homes and want a better way to control the temperature, can benefit from noticeable energy savings by installing energy-efficient ductless heat pump systems or geothermal systems. Systems are eligible for substantial rebates from CL&P in addition to significant federal tax credits.
Solar photovoltaic systems
Residential, nonprofit, and governmental utility customers interested in installing solar photovoltaic (PV) systems in their homes or buildings are eligible for rebates from the Connecticut Clean Energy Fund (now part of the Clean Energy Finance and Investment Authority) that cover a percentage of installation and equipment costs. Rebates are offered through designated participating solar PV installers.
Midnight turn-off option for street lights
If you have streetlights on your property, owned either by you or CL&P, you may receive a rebate from the utility if you agree to install a programmable photocell that will ensure the street lights operate only between dusk and midnight.
For more information about energy-efficiency rebates and service programs for CL&P customers, visit the Connecticut Energy Efficiency Fund at www.CTEnergyInfo.com, the Connecticut Clean Energy Fund at www.ctcleanenergy.com, or call 877-WISE-USE (877-947-3873).
Sources
Connecticut Light & Power, “Home Services and Rebates.”
Connecticut Energy Efficiency Fund
Clean Energy Finance and Investment Authority
