Take Charge Kansas – Getting paid for saving energy
June 10, 2009
Wellington resident Vicki Brown and Brian Lewellen from the City of Wellington
The Take Charge Challenge is off to a great start! Over one year, residents in Salina, Merriam, Quinter, Kinsley, Wellington and Haven/Mount Hope are partnering with their utilities and CEP to see who can reduce their energy use by the greatest percentage.
In Wellington, I was able to join the city staff as they presented their first energy efficiency rebate to Vicki Brown for $200.
The Browns installed an energy efficient heat pump after a home energy audit showed they could save about $100 a month on their electric bill. With their $200 rebate check, a rebate from the manufacturer and the federal tax credits available, the heat pump will pay for itself in about three years. Check out the full story from the Wellington Daily News.
The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (ARRA) extends, expands and simplifies the federal income tax credits for homeowners who make energy efficiency home improvements.
The law extends the consumer tax benefits for another year, through 2020; triples the total available tax credits from $500 to $1500; and increased the tax credit to 30% of the cost of each qualified energy efficiency improvement. The law also removes the cap on geothermal heat pumps and solar water heaters through 2016. Get more info on these tax credits from the Alliance to Save Energy.
Energy Star-rated air source heat pumps are eligible for a 30% tax credit up to $1500. Ground source (geothermal) Energy Star rated heat pumps are eligible for a 30% tax credit with no cap.
The Kansas Power Pool’s new Energy Efficient Refund Program is available to Wellington and Haven/Mount Hope residents as a part of the Take Charge Challenge.
Rebates from $75-$200 are offered on heat pumps. Residents can also take advantage of a $30 rebate for purchasing a new Energy Star refrigerator, a $75 rebate for installing a new air conditioner with a SEER over 14 rating as well as a $75 rebate for installing a high efficiency electric water heater with energy efficiency over 0.90.
The City of Wellington offers free energy audits to all residents. This is an easy way to determine which energy efficient measures will save residents the most money and energy.
Wellington residents are saving energy, and getting paid to do it!
— Dorothy Barnett, www.climateandenergy.org
