Winneshiek Energy District: Act now to qualify for energy efficiency rebates

The Winneshiek Energy District is recommending that Northeast Iowans act now to take full advantage of utility efficiency rebates, because many of those incentives may not be available next year.  The programs have historically included a wide array of energy audits and practice rebates, including insulation and air sealing and energy efficient lighting.
 
"The omnibus energy bill (SF2311) passed in the recent legislative session drastically reduces the scope and impact of legislatively mandated, rate-payer funded energy efficiency programs," says WED Director Andy Johnson.  Changes to the energy efficiency programs include spending caps, new "cost-effectiveness tests" and potential opt-out allowances for customers.
 
Johnson says cuts to natural gas energy efficiency programs run by Black Hills, Alliant and MidAmerican may be over $40 million per year, a reduction of 65 to 85 percent.  "If you're a Black Hills gas customer considering a new boiler, furnace, insulation or other projects and can pull the trigger yet this year, do so," says WED energy planner Joel Zook.
 
Cuts to electric energy efficiency programs of Alliant and MidAmerican may exceed $60 million per year.  Because MidAmerican had a much more aggressive program, it may suffer larger cuts.
 
"If you're an Alliant customer considering a new A/C, LED lighting, or other projects, look closely at current rebates and think carefully about what might be possible to get done in 2019", said Zook. "We're hopeful many rebates will still be available next year but even if so, they could be at lower levels than today."
 
The energy efficiency programs are reviewed and adjusted every five years, and that process is currently underway at the Iowa Utilities Board. This means the actual program offerings for 2019 won't be known until the process is finalized, which may be early 2019.

But whether it's a project for a home, farm, business, or institution, Zook strongly suggests that customers start project planning now and ensure implementation is complete and all utility incentives applied for by the end of 2018.   "If you've got work to be done, don't leave money on the table." says Zook.