Energy Saver Program
Central Rural Electric Cooperative’s Energy Saver Program helps members save energy and reduce costs. The program is designed with you in mind, offering solutions and resources to make your home or business more energy efficient.
What is the Energy Saver Program?
The Energy Saver Program is voluntary and open to any central member who wants to participate. Participating members receive energy improvements installed in their home or commercial property. These improvements are grouped into four steps that are designed to reduce your energy use and the amount you pay for energy.
Central finances the costs of the energy improvements and the member pays the costs through his or her monthly electric bill. Central calculates the charge(s), called the Energy Saver Program Charge and it appears on the monthly electric bill as a separate line items for each step. The member pays monthly for a maximum of 10 years, with no penalties for early payoff.
A majority of energy savings happen when behaviors are changed, and in order to change behavior, we have to know what needs to be modified. That’s where Energy Monitoring comes in! Central installs an Apolloware monitoring and analysis system at your home so that the energy use of major appliances can be tracked! The real-time information can be viewed via the Apolloware app, which you have access to any time!
The Apolloware device is connected to your home’s breaker panel. Apolloware measures the main, or total, load of the property, as well as sub-loads (individual circuits for HVAC, electric water heater and more). You can use the Apolloware app to monitor your energy use in real time.
With an Energy Audit, you will receive expert energy-saving recommendations after a complete home energy assessment. Implemented energy improvements can decrease energy use, save money and improve the comfort of your home or commercial property. The audit includes an inspection of mechanical systems, insulation, windows, lighting and appliances to determine what actions need to be taken to increase your home’s energy efficiency. Plus, you will receive a free Nest smart thermostat* with the completion of a home energy audit, as well as a free home weatherization kit!
*Members who already have a smart thermostat will receive a one-time $50 bill credit.
Ready to make Energy Improvements to your home but not sure about the financial impact? You’re in luck! Central finances approved energy improvements for a low interest rate and members pay the loan back via their electric bill. Qualified energy improvements include:
• Improved insulation
• HVAC and furnace upgrades
• Door upgrades
• Window replacements
• Pool/spa/water well pump upgrades
• Fixed asset appliance upgrades (electric water heater and dishwasher)
Central members are eligible for various energy efficiency rebates if specific qualifications are met. Through the Energy Saver program, Central will help members identify potential rebates to help lower the overall cost of the Energy Improvements.
Are you ready to be an Energy Producer by installing a renewable energy system? After interested members have completed steps 1-3, Central will work with members to evaluate the risks and benefits of investing in a renewable energy system such as solar, assist in right-sizing the solution and provide a finance option. An interconnection agreement with the cooperative is required. There are many considerations when it comes to installing a renewable energy system such as solar, however, Central’s Distributed Generation Interconnection Guidelines helps members walk through several considerations of owning and operating distributed generation, including insurance requirements. Through the Energy Saver Program, members can finance an installation with little interest.