IOWA ENERGY EFFICIENCY REBATE INFORMATION FOR YOUR HOME

Transcription

1 IOWA ENERGY EFFICIENCY REBATE INFORMATION FOR YOUR HOME 2016

2 SAVE ENERGY AND MONEY Whether you live in an older home or you re building a new one, MidAmerican Energy Company offers many EnergyAdvantage programs to help you save money, add comfort to your home and conserve energy. Through our programs, you can save money now and continue to save on your energy bills for years to come. This booklet gives you information needed to qualify for MidAmerican Energy s rebate and incentive programs. These programs can provide real savings through the use of high-efficiency equipment, along with low- and no-cost energy-saving ideas. Plus, the new Trade Ally Partner Search Tool connects you with our energy allies. These are dealers, contractors, suppliers and design professionals who can help you with your energy efficiency projects. Their program knowledge is a valuable resource to help you take advantage of MidAmerican Energy's money-saving rebates. Occasionally things change. So, for the most up-to-date information about the energy efficiency incentives and qualifications, visit Join the thousands of Iowans already enjoying the advantages of being more energy efficient and saving some green!

3 PROGRAMS AND INFORMATION HomeCheck Insulation and Home Sealing Appliances Appliance Recycling Heating, Cooling and Water Heating Residential HVAC Tune-Up Lighting New Homes Plant Trees, Save Energy SummerSaver SM Trade Ally Partners Additional Services Tips to Save Money and Energy General Qualifications and Conditions How to qualify and apply for rebates Many of MidAmerican Energy s EnergyAdvantage programs feature rebates that defray the often higher cost of energy-efficient equipment and materials. To apply for and receive one of these rebates after installation of your new purchase has been completed, send in the appropriate MidAmerican Energy rebate form with a copy of your sales receipt or itemized invoice. Some products and services may require additional documentation, such as a yellow EnergyGuide label. These additional requirements are noted on each rebate application form. Participants must be residential customers located in MidAmerican Energy s Iowa service territory. Rebate applications for products and services that typically are completed by an equipment dealer/installer can be obtained directly from that place of business. All rebate applications (with the exception of insulation applications, which are provided during a HomeCheck assessment) are available online at You also can call our rebate processing center at from 8 a.m. - 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, to have applications sent to you. For the most up-to-date information about energy efficiency incentives and qualifications, visit Get your rebate faster Follow these steps before mailing your rebate application. Accurate and complete rebate forms mean your rebate will arrive sooner. n Complete all information on the rebate form, such as the manufacturer s name, item model and serial number, if applicable. n Sign and date the Customer Agreement section. n Include the EnergyGuide label for equipment, if applicable. n Include a copy of the itemized sales receipt. n Circle rebate-eligible items on the receipt. n Retain a copy of the rebate application and receipts for your records. n If you have questions about a rebate application, contact your dealer or call Send all applications and required documentation to MidAmerican Energy in the most convenient way for you. Please allow 4-6 weeks for rebate processing. Mail: MidAmerican Energy Company P.O. Box 4628 Des Moines, IA Fax: rebateapplications@midamerican.com 1

4 HOMECHECK Save money and energy, and add comfort to your home with a free HomeCheck energy assessment from MidAmerican Energy. Our energy expert will analyze various features of your home, including: n Building construction n Building tightness n Heating and cooling systems n Kitchen appliances n Laundry appliances n Lighting n Water heating equipment n Windows and doors n Insulation levels QUALIFICATIONS See general qualifications on Page 17. Note: For on-site assessments, MidAmerican Energy must provide the primary heating fuel to your home. Program-specific qualifications n Homes must be built before Jan. 1, n If you are seeking information on program opportunities for your multifamily building, see the For Your Business booklet, Page 8, for participation details. n Renters: You must have your landlord s approval, and the landlord should be present at the time of the assessment. n Landlords: Call to confirm the appropriate assessment program for your building. If you recently moved into a home that is eligible for a HomeCheck, call to schedule an on-site HomeCheck assessment. If you ve had a HomeCheck, call to learn what to do next. If applicable, the energy expert may install the following energy-saving items at no cost: n Programmable thermostat n Faucet aerators n Energy-efficient showerhead n Smart power strip n ENERGY STAR certified CFLs or LEDs n Pipe insulation n Water heater blanket Do more and receive more! Receive a bonus payment of $200 by participating in MidAmerican Energy s other programs and upgrading any three of the following within 12 months after your energy assessment: n Air conditioner n Natural gas furnace n Heat pump n Refrigerator n Freezer n Heat pump water heater n Insulation One of the best energy efficiency improvements you can make is adding insulation. During your HomeCheck assessment, our energy expert will examine your home s existing insulation level. To be eligible for insulation or home sealing rebates, a HomeCheck assessment must be completed before installation. Any improvements made prior to the assessment are ineligible for rebates. How do I schedule a HomeCheck? Call weekdays, 8 a.m. - 5 p.m. For the most up-to-date information about energy efficiency incentives and qualifications, visit 2

5 INSULATION AND HOME SEALING Insulation is one of the keys to a comfortable, energy-efficient home. The greatest energy savings often come from ensuring the home has adequate attic insulation levels. Sealing and insulating the envelope or shell of your home its outer walls, ceilings, windows, doors and floors often is an effective way to improve energy efficiency and comfort. A knowledgeable homeowner or skilled contractor can seal and insulate your home so you can save up to 20 percent on heating and cooling costs (or up to 10 percent on total annual energy bills). MidAmerican Energy can help you achieve these results through rebates on both measures. Note: A HomeCheck assessment must be completed before insulation and sealing projects can qualify for rebates. The assessor will determine the not-to-exceed rebate level during the HomeCheck assessment. Insulation MUST HAVE LESS THAN RECOMMENDED LEVEL REBATE Attic R-25 R-49 75% of total cost up to $1,000 To be eligible for a duct, foundation/crawlspace, wall/kneewall and rim/band joist insulation rebate, there can be no pre-existing insulation in the area. If recommended insulation levels cannot be achieved, a rebate will not apply. Duct R-1 R-8 75% of total cost up to $750 Foundation/ Crawlspace R-1 R-10/R-11 85% of total cost up to $1,000 nr-19 fiberglass batt insulation recommended for floor above crawlspace. n If home has foundation and crawlspace insulation recommended, the crawlspace and foundation rebates are considered as one project. Wall/Kneewall R-1 R-10/R-13 75% of total cost up to $1,000 n If home has sidewall and kneewall insulation recommended, the sidewall and kneewall rebates are considered as one project. Rim/Band Joist R-1 R-15/R-19 75% of total cost up to $0.70 per linear foot How do I apply for a rebate? Professionally installed equipment and materials: Have your dealer send a completed rebate application and itemized invoice to MidAmerican Energy. Self-installed equipment and materials: Complete the appropriate rebate application, attach a copy of the itemized, dated receipt and send to MidAmerican Energy. You may not charge labor for self-installations. See general qualifications on Page 17 and refer to the equipment application for all rebate requirements. Home Sealing Home sealing (exterior foundation foam, caulking, weather stripping, spray foam, etc.) REBATE 70% of total cost up to $200 Download and print rebate forms at: or call Representatives are available weekdays, 8 a.m. - 5 p.m. 3

6 APPLIANCES Every appliance comes with two price tags: what you pay to purchase it and what you pay to operate and maintain it. ENERGY STAR certified appliances incorporate advanced technologies that use up to 50 percent less energy than standard appliances. While an ENERGY STAR certified appliance s upfront cost is higher, MidAmerican Energy s rebate will offset much if not all of the extra cost. From refrigerators to freezers, ENERGY STAR certified appliances save energy and money, and help reduce emissions of greenhouse gases and air pollutants at the source. Include a copy of this label with your rebate application. Appliance QUALIFICATIONS Refrigerator ENERGY STAR 10 cubic feet or larger Freezer ENERGY STAR 10 cubic feet or larger REBATE $50 $50 Room Air Conditioner ENERGY STAR $35 QUALIFICATIONS See general qualifications on Page 17 and refer to the equipment application for all rebate requirements. Program-specific qualifications n Appliance(s) purchased must be ENERGY STAR certified and meet the listed qualifications. n Appliance rebates are not included in the Residential New Construction program comprehensive rebate but are eligible for additional separate rebates. ENERGY STAR CERTIFIED APPLIANCE EFFICIENCIES Refrigerators Freezers Room Air Conditioners n Reduce your energy use by 65 percent n Use less than half the energy of refrigerators made before 1993 n Reduce your energy costs by as much as $92 per year n A top-freezer refrigerator uses less energy than a 60W light bulb n Are at least 10 percent more energy efficient than the minimum federal standard n Use half the energy of freezers manufactured before 1993 n Save you $60 to $180 in energy costs compared to an older model n Can pay for themselves in less than two years n Exceed minimum federal standards for energy consumption by at least 15 percent n Use approximately 10 percent less energy than conventional models n Feature high-efficiency compressors, fan motors and heat transfer surfaces How do I apply for a rebate? Professionally installed equipment and materials: Have your dealer send a completed rebate application and invoice to MidAmerican Energy by March 31, Self-installed equipment and materials: Complete the appropriate rebate application and a copy of the itemized, dated receipt and send to MidAmerican Energy by March 31,

7 APPLIANCE RECYCLING Do you have an older refrigerator or freezer in your basement or garage? Keeping a spare refrigerator or freezer running can add more than $100 per year to your electric bill. Or perhaps you are considering replacing your refrigerator or freezer. If so, MidAmerican Energy may provide a rebate for the new qualifying unit and pay you to let us recycle the old unit. If you're an Iowa MidAmerican Energy electric customer who has a working refrigerator, freezer or room air conditioner that you would like to recycle, give us a call. We ll send a recycling contractor to provide free pick-up and recycling of your old working appliance (according to environmentally friendly standards), and even give you a rebate. Appliance Refrigerator 10 cubic feet or larger, no commercial sizes Freezer 10 cubic feet or larger, no commercial sizes REBATE $50 $50 Room Air Conditioner $25 ü At the time of your appliance pick-up you will receive an energy-saving ükit that includes energy efficiency tips and additional information. RAD (Responsible Appliance Disposal) is a voluntary partnership program of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency to help protect the Earth s ozone layer and reduce greenhouse gas emissions. RAD program partners, like MidAmerican Energy, recover ozone-depleting chemicals from old refrigerators, freezers and window air conditioners. QUALIFICATIONS See general qualifications on Page 17 and refer to the equipment application for all rebate requirements. Program-specific qualifications n Refrigerators and freezers must be 10 cubic feet or larger, no commercial sizes. n Units must be working to qualify for a rebate (unit must operate and cool). n A maximum of two appliances in each category at each home per year may be recycled through this program. n Multifamily housing or institutional customers may participate subject to pick-up coordination. (Maximum number of appliances does not apply.) How do I schedule a pick-up? Call weekdays, 8 a.m. - 5 p.m. 5

8 HEATING, COOLING AND WATER HEATING Making smart decisions about your home s heating, cooling and water heating systems can have a big effect on your utility bills and your comfort. Approximately half of the energy used in your home goes to heating and cooling. System Adjustment and Verified Efficiency (SAVE) certification assures you purchase the most appropriate, energy efficient system for your home, and that it s installed correctly for optimum savings and comfort. To receive eligible rebates on new HVAC equipment, MidAmerican Energy requires that an HVAC SAVE certified contractor tests and verifies your equipment. To find a SAVE certified contractor in your area, visit Available Equipment Equipment must be installed with a SAVE rating of excellent to be eligible for a rebate, with the exception of furnace fans, room air conditioners, programmable thermostats and heat pump water heaters. This rating means the SAVE certified contractor took extra time to optimize the operation of the unit. SAVE testing for air conditioner units may not occur below 65 F or manufacturers recommendations, whichever is greater. EQUIPMENT QUALIFYING EFFICIENCY REBATE QUALIFICATIONS Natural Gas Furnace AFUE 95 or greater $900 Must be SAVE certified, AHRI Certified and < 250 MBtu QUALIFICATIONS See general qualifications on Page 17 and refer to the equipment application for all rebate requirements. Program-specific qualifications n In order to receive an HVAC equipment rebate, the equipment must be pre-enrolled and tested by an HVAC SAVE certified technician unless otherwise noted. This includes equipment placed in multifamily residential units. n Heating and cooling equipment (except ground-source heat pump) rebates are included in the comprehensive Residential New Construction rebate and are not eligible for additional separate rebates. Furnace Fan Central Air Conditioner CEE air handling ratio < 0.02 SEER SEER SEER 16 and above $75 MidAmerican Energy residential electric customers; must be installed on new qualifying furnace with AFUE 95 or above; < 250 MBtu; AHRI Certified $675 $850 $1,050 Must be SAVE certified; < 65 MBtu; AHRI Certified (coil and condenser must match) nprovide furnace information if the furnace increases efficiency of air conditioner. n Ductless minisplit systems will be eligible for a rebate. The rebate will be $300 lower than indicated above and the units will not be required to be SAVE certified. Room Air Conditioner Programmable Thermostat ENERGY STAR $35 $25 Two or more set-backs; Wi-Fi and smart thermostats qualify 6

9 EQUIPMENT QUALIFYING EFFICIENCY REBATE QUALIFICATIONS Heat Pump Water Heater EF EF 2.3 and above $300 $400 ENERGY STAR; MidAmerican Energy residential electric-only customers with no access to natural gas from any provider Air-Source Heat Pump AND/OR SEER SEER 16 and above AND/OR HSPF HSPF 9 and above $300 $550 $750 $25 $50 Must be SAVE certified and meet either qualifying efficiency level < 65 MBtu; AHRI Certified (coil and condenser must match) nrebates are available for equipment meeting individual or combined qualifying efficiencies. nprovide furnace information if the furnace increases efficiency of heat pump. n Ductless minisplit systems will be eligible for a rebate. The rebate will be $300 lower than indicated above and the units will not be required to be SAVE certified. Ground-Source Heat Pump AND/OR EER EER EER 23 and above AND/OR COP COP COP 5 and above $300 $1,200 $1,800 $2,400 $200 $400 $600 Must be SAVE certified and meet either qualifying efficiency level < 65 MBtu; AHRI or ENERGY STAR certified nrebates are available for equipment meeting individual or combined qualifying efficiencies. Glossary AFUE Annual Fuel Utilization Efficiency: Ratio of annual heat output of the furnace or boiler compared to the total annual fossil fuel energy consumed by a furnace or boiler AHRI Air-Conditioning, Heating and Refrigeration Institute: Provides standardized testing and certification of HVAC equipment COP Coefficient of Performance: The ratio of the change in heat at the output, the heat reservoir of interest, to the supplied work CEE Consortium for Energy Efficiency EER Energy Efficiency Rating: The ratio of the cooling capacity (in British thermal units [Btu] per hour) to power input in watts EF Energy Factor: Indicates a water heater s overall energy efficiency based on the amount of hot water produced per unit of fuel consumed over a typical day HSPF Heating Seasonal Performance Factor: Represents the total heating output of a heat pump, including supplementary electric heat, during the normal heating season (in Btu) as compared to the total electricity consumed in watt-hours during the same period SEER Seasonal Energy Efficiency Rating: Indicates the relative amount of energy needed to provide a specific cooling output How do I apply for a rebate? Professionally installed equipment and materials: Have your dealer send a completed rebate application and invoice to MidAmerican Energy by March 31, Self-installed equipment and materials: Complete the appropriate rebate form, attach a copy of the itemized, dated receipt and send to MidAmerican Energy by March 31, For either professionally or self-installed equipment: n Include ARI/ISO-Standard Specification Sheets n Include documentation of GSHP capacities in addition to ENERGY STAR listing Rebate applications for central air conditioners installed after Oct. 1, 2016, can be submitted up to Sept. 30, 2017, if pre-enrolled by Dec. 31, 2016, due to SAVE testing requirements. 7

10 RESIDENTIAL HVAC TUNE-UP Get the most out of your furnace or central air conditioner and add comfort to your home. In addition to your routine furnace and central air conditioner maintenance, schedule an efficiency check and a performance tune-up. Use a SAVE certified contractor to ensure your unit is properly working and to determine if you qualify for a rebate. Before the performance tune-up, your technician will measure your heating and cooling system s performance, then will: n Clean your equipment and perform routine maintenance n Relieve pressure buildup and adjust the fan speed for proper heating n Adjust the fuel input and burn rates n Recommend possible improvements to the ductwork or air filtration n Measure furnace/central air conditioner performance again to determine performance improvement Many systems that already are properly maintained may not show significant performance improvements to qualify for the HVAC Tune-Up performance rebate. Equipment and Ductwork Performance Improvement Rebate available only once every five years for each equipment type. REBATE Central Air Conditioner Performance Must result in at least 10 equipment SAVE points improvement; < 65 MBtu Lesser of $180 or 100% of cost QUALIFICATIONS See general qualifications on Page 17 and refer to the equipment application for all rebate requirements. Air-Source Heat Pump Performance Furnace Performance Ductwork Improvement Performance Must result in at least 10 equipment SAVE points improvement; < 65 MBtu Must result in at least 10 equipment SAVE points improvement; < 250 MBtu Must result in at least 12 duct SAVE points improvement; testing must be completed on system fueled by MidAmerican Energy Lesser of $150 or 100% of cost Lesser of $180 or 100% of cost Lesser of $550 or 75% of cost Program-specific qualifications n Rebate available only once every five years for each equipment type. n Tune-ups must result in a minimum number of performance SAVE points improvement; this number varies by equipment type. How do I apply for a rebate? HVAC Tune-Up: Have your dealer send a completed rebate form that identifies the type of tune-up completed and any completed upgrades along with the associated costs. The dealer or customer must mail the completed rebate form to MidAmerican Energy by March 31,

11 LIGHTING Be Bright You can save energy and help the environment with a simple twist of the wrist. Lighting, which accounts for 12 percent of the average home s electric bill, is one of the easiest and most effective places to start saving. Just one ENERGY STAR certified bulb can save you $30 to $80 in energy costs over its lifetime. ENERGY STAR CFLs and LEDs use 70 to 90 percent less energy than incandescent bulbs and last 10 to 25 times longer. Making the switch to more energy-efficient lighting is simple. MidAmerican Energy works with many retail and manufacturing partners to provide discounted pricing on select ENERGY STAR certified CFLs, LEDs and LED trim kits. There is no need to complete a rebate form; the discounted pricing is instant, allowing you to receive the lower prices at the cash register. Just look for the Be Bright signage at any participating retail location to begin saving. Qualified customers may purchase up to 12 discounted bulbs. You can find discounted bulbs at these types of retailers: n Home Improvement (e.g., Lowe's, Menards, The Home Depot) n Mass Merchant (e.g., Walmart, Target) n Warehouse Club (e.g., Sam s Club, Costco) n Hardware (e.g., Ace Hardware, True Value, Theisen s) n Deep Discounter (e.g., Dollar General, Dollar Tree) n Grocery/Drug (e.g., Hy-Vee, Fareway) n Specialty (e.g., Batteries+Bulbs) n Other (e.g., 3E, Van Meter, Adventure Lighting, ECHO Electric, Crescent Electric) For a list of participating retailers, visit or call Review our CFL and LED fact sheets at For more information on proper disposal of CFLs, visit QUALIFICATIONS See general qualifications on Page 17. Program-specific qualifications n Program lamps are not eligible for additional rebates in other MidAmerican Energy programs. MidAmerican Energy offers this program in conjunction with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency s ENERGY STAR program. For the most up-to-date information about energy efficiency incentives and qualifications, visit 9

12 NEW HOMES The best way to make your home energy efficient is to build it that way from the start. If you re considering building a new home, MidAmerican Energy s New Homes program can help with expert advice and energy efficiency rebates. We can assist your builder in executing the plans to ensure that your home remains energy efficient for years to come. The advantages of an energy-efficient home include improved comfort, healthier indoor air quality, greater temperature consistency and lower operational costs month after month. The New Homes program is available to new single-family home construction and rebates are offered to homebuilders for constructing Iowa homes with greater energy efficiency. HERS Rating The Home Energy Rating System (HERS) Index is the industry standard by which a home s energy efficiency is measured. A certified home energy rater assesses the energy efficiency of a home, assigning it a relative performance score. It can tell you a lot about the home you live in, such as how efficiently it operates and where you can make modifications for greater energy savings. QUALIFICATIONS See general qualifications on Page 17. Program-specific qualifications n The HERS rating deadline is March 31, n Documentation of homes completed in 2016 must be received prior to July 1, Applications submitted after that date must meet 2017 program specifications, and 2017 program rebate levels will apply to those homes. n Rebate will be paid to the builder unless otherwise assigned by the builder. n Builder or customer (not MidAmerican Energy) is responsible for the cost of a HERS rating. How do I apply? Complete a pre-enrollment form prior to the drywall installation construction phase. Call for details weekdays, 8 a.m. - 5 p.m. When you re selling your home, a low HERS Index score may bring a higher resale price. And when you re buying a home, the HERS score can tell you what to expect for energy bills and efficiency upgrades. The lower the number, the more energy efficient the home. To locate a HERS rater near you, visit SINGLE-FAMILY HOMES/DUPLEX OPTIONS MidAmerican Energy s EnergyAdvantage Advanced Builder Option Package (ABOP); Requires a HERS Rating This program option is available to new, single-family homes in MidAmerican Energy s Iowa service areas that will use energy provided directly by MidAmerican Energy. This program requires each home to be pre-enrolled when construction begins. Your builder must meet all requirements with no exceptions and provide certification from a RESNET certified HERS rater. For a complete list of rebates and requirements talk with your builder or visit Advanced Builder Option Package (ABOP) REBATE Electric Heat and Electric Cooling $3,000 Natural Gas Heat and Electric Cooling $3,000 Natural Gas Heat Only $1,900 Electric Cooling Only $700 Ground-Source Heat Pump $1,000 plus Residential Equipment rebate n Must have a HERS score of 60 or less n Must have a system SAVE score of 70 or greater (this SAVE score includes equipment and ductwork efficiencies) n Must meet 2012 IECC 10

13 ENERGY STAR Certified Home; Requires a HERS Rating This program option is available to new, single-family homes in MidAmerican Energy s Iowa service areas that will use energy provided directly by MidAmerican Energy. This program requires each home to be pre-enrolled when construction begins. Your builder must provide certification from a RESNET certified HERS rater showing the home meets or exceeds ENERGY STAR standards. Specifications are available at ENERGY STAR Certified Home REBATE Electric Heat and Electric Cooling $3,000 Natural Gas Heat and Electric Cooling $3,000 Natural Gas Heat Only $1,900 Electric Cooling Only $700 Ground-Source Heat Pump $1,000 plus Residential Equipment rebate n Must meet 2012 IECC MULTIFAMILY OPTIONS Apartments/Condominiums; Requires a HERS Rating This program requires each multifamily building to be preapproved and pre-enrolled when construction begins; the rebate applies to conditioned living space. All units being built must be ENERGY STAR certified, residential, three stories or fewer and cannot be mixed-use buildings. Side-by-side townhomes are eligible for rebates through the single-family/duplex Residential New Homes program options. Apartments/Condominiums Electric Heat and Electric Cooling Natural Gas Heat and Electric Cooling Natural Gas Heat Only Electric Cooling Only Ground-Source Heat Pump REBATE $1.00/sq. ft. $1.00/sq. ft. $0.60/sq. ft. $0.40/sq. ft. $0.30/sq. ft. plus Residential Equipment rebate n Must meet 2012 IECC ENERGY STAR requirements enable your builder to customize your new home to take advantage of unique features of a particular home design. For more information on ENERGY STAR homes, refer to For the most up-to-date information about energy efficiency incentives and qualifications, visit 11

14 PLANT TREES, SAVE ENERGY Planting trees into an energy-efficient landscape design improves air quality, helps protect and replenish the soil, and reduces your heating and cooling costs. MidAmerican Energy offers several tree-related programs that promote the planting of trees for their energy efficiency potential. Plant Some Shade As a MidAmerican Energy customer and homeowner, you can purchase high-quality landscape trees at discounted prices. These trees, ranging from 3 to 8 feet in height and selected by the Iowa Department of Natural Resources, are offered for $30 each during spring and fall Plant Some Shade events. The trees, which normally retail for $65 or more, are sold on a preordered, first-come, first-served basis at locations throughout our Iowa service territory. Visit for more information. Trees Please! Put the power of shade to work in your community by applying for tree-planting grants. Our Trees Please! program promotes energy efficiency by providing windbreaks and shade while beautifying city-owned parks, roadways and other common areas within communities both large and small. Matching funds from other sources must equal the grant amount; this includes in-kind services, as well as donated labor and/or materials. Visit for more information. Trees for Kids/Trees for Teens Additional tree-planting information By planting the right tree or trees in the right place around your home or business, you can make a very real, very positive impact on your total energy use for heating and cooling. View our complete Tree Information Booklet at Learn how to select the right location and find which trees are recommended and not recommended for our area. You ll find tree-planting safety tips and instructions on caring for your trees. Trees improve the landscaping of school grounds and, when planted with proper consideration, can improve the energy efficiency of the building itself. The Trees for Kids/Trees for Teens program is sponsored by the Iowa Department of Natural Resources Bureau of Forestry and offers Iowa schools the opportunity to apply for tree-planting project grants every spring and fall. Educational experiences are coupled with the planting of trees. The goals are to educate students about the importance of energy efficiency and encourage tree-planting projects at schools. The IDNR contacts schools regarding educational materials and grant applications for plantings. Materials include lesson plans, bulletin board displays, learning centers and resource lists. All of the educational materials, as well as grant applications, can be found at Call 811 before digging Before planting your tree, the law requires you to call 811 at least two business days before digging to make certain there are no utility lines or other equipment buried underground. For more information, visit 12

15 SM SUMMERSAVER Do your part to save energy by allowing us to control the operation of your home air conditioner compressor or air-source heat pump when the demand for electricity is the highest. SummerSaver is a voluntary program in which MidAmerican Energy installs a small cycling device on the outside of your home near the central air conditioning unit. This device is wired into your existing thermostat control circuit and acts as a switch allowing us to cycle your air conditioner compressor off and on during peak usage weekdays from June through September. SummerSaver Bill Credit ANNUAL BILL CREDIT Central Air Conditioner (Oct. or Nov. bill credit, first participation year) $40 Central Air Conditioner (Oct. or Nov. bill credit, subsequent years) $30 Air-Source Heat Pump (Oct. or Nov. bill credit, first participation year) $40 Air-Source Heat Pump (Oct. or Nov. bill credit, subsequent years) $30 When cycling: n Air conditioners are cycled between approximately 2 p.m. and 7 p.m. or for shorter periods between 2 p.m. and 7 p.m., depending on actual need (but never on weekends or holidays). n Randomized programming is used to vary the starting time for cycling across our service territory so the actual start time for each device varies between 2 p.m. and 2:30 p.m., if cycling begins at 2 p.m. The corresponding end time is between 7 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. if cycling ends at 7 p.m. The same pattern follows if cycling occurs for shorter periods. n During cycling periods, the cycling device does not control the indoor air conditioner blower fan, so previously cooled air continues to circulate throughout your home. n Notifications of SummerSaver cycling days are posted on MidAmerican Energy s website during cycling days. ü You will receive a bill credit whether cycling events are called or not. üfor nonresidential Curtailment information, see the For Your Business booklet, Page 21, for additional information. QUALIFICATIONS See general qualifications on Page 17. Note: You must be a MidAmerican Energy Company residential electric customer to participate in the SummerSaver load control program. Program-specific qualifications n You must own your home to participate. n Room air conditioners and geothermal heat pumps do not qualify. n Participation is limited and is available on a first-come, first-served basis. Questions about SummerSaver? Call weekdays, 8 a.m. - 5 p.m. or visit For the most up-to-date information about energy efficiency incentives and qualifications, visit 13

16 TRADE ALLY PARTNERS Let us help Trade Ally Partners are dealers, contractors, suppliers and design professionals who can help you with your energy efficiency projects. Their program knowledge is a valuable resource to help you take advantage of MidAmerican Energy s rebate programs. Their experience with the program requirements makes applying for rebates fast and easy for you. Trade Ally Partners will: n Explain MidAmerican Energy s money-saving rebates n Share with you the benefits of upgrading to higher efficiency equipment n Help you save money now and for years to come while making your home more comfortable Trade Ally Partner Search Tool Now Available! Connect with a Trade Ally Partner by using the Trade Ally Partner Search Tool. This easy, online search tool can be found on our website at Find a Trade Ally Partner in your area and get started on your energy efficiency projects today. Is your business interested in becoming a Trade Ally Partner? MidAmerican Energy Company values the relationships we have with our trade allies. We provide resources to help you market and deliver energy-efficient products and services to your customers. Enjoy additional marketing and program-specific resources by joining the EnergyAdvantage Trade Ally Network. To learn about enhanced resources, tools and benefits that Trade Ally Partners receive, call us at , visit or tradeallycentral@midamerican.com. 14

17 ADDITIONAL SERVICES My Account Did you know you can create an online account and transact business on our website? Visit to set up an online account if you have not already done so. With My Account, it s easy to view and pay your bills and manage your account online. Most of these services are optimized for viewing on your mobile device. n Sign up for notifications and text alerts n Report an outage n View outage information n View and pay your bill n Start Budget Billing n Schedule recurring payment n Stop/transfer service n Add a landlord account My Preferences Visit to check out our My Preferences options. You can sign up for text and alerts with your online My Account. If you don't have an online account, setting one up as a new user is quick and easy. MidAmerican Energy Company s Home Energy Report Program MidAmerican Energy s Home Energy Report program is designed to help customers better assess their energy consumption and explore ways to reduce their energy use. The Home Energy Report program is offered to a randomly selected group of MidAmerican Energy s residential customers in Iowa. Selected customers receive a customized home energy report six times annually. The report arrives via the U.S. Postal Service and separate from customers MidAmerican Energy utility bill. Customers also may opt to receive reports via rather than the mailed reports and can use the portal any time they choose. Each report includes usage comparison and history, and energy efficiency tips. Customers who receive the reports can call with questions or to opt-out of the program. Customers cannot opt-in to the program. Low-Income Weatherization Program This program is available to low-income households in our Iowa service territory. The program is administered through local community action agencies and the Iowa Department of Human Rights. Further information on this program is available at local community action agencies. Recurring Payment Option Save time and a stamp by having your total amount due automatically deducted from your checking or savings account on the due date of your bill. Budget Billing Plan Throughout the year heating and cooling costs rise and fall and energy use varies making it difficult to manage your expenses. Ease the fluctuations in your monthly bills and enjoy the convenience of a more predictable bill with a Budget Billing Plan. Instead of paying your actual energy costs each month, pay an average amount with no unexpected surprises. The Budget Billing Plan is not a discount program and offers no savings or lower rates. Paperless Billing Save paper by signing up for paperless billing. Call with questions about the billing options above. For the most up-to-date information about energy efficiency incentives and qualifications, visit 15

18 ENERGY-SAVING TIPS GET IT ONLINE Complete an energy assessment at SEAL IT UP Use weather stripping and caulk to seal air leaks and block drafts. ROLL IT OUT Make sure your home and business have adequate insulation. SET IT SMART Keep your thermostat at 68 degrees in the winter and 78 degrees in the summer. BUY IT RIGHT Install ENERGY STAR lighting and appliances in your home and business. GET IT OUT Recycle old, inefficient refrigerators, freezers and window air conditioners. WRAP IT UP Put clear plastic sheets over the inside and outside of your windows. LET IT SHINE Keep window treatments open on sunny winter days and closed on hot summer days. KEEP IT CLEAR Make sure air vents aren t blocked by furniture, rugs or drapes. TURN IT OFF Unplug appliances and electronics when they re not in use to avoid phantom load. KEEP IT UP Have your heating system serviced once a year and change furnace filters regularly. For more energy-saving tips and information on rebates for your home and business, visit 16

19 QUALIFICATIONS AND CONDITIONS n Participants must be residential customers located in MidAmerican Energy Company s Iowa service territory. n MidAmerican Energy Company must provide the primary electricity or natural gas to the equipment for which the rebate is being paid. n Rebate amount cannot exceed installed cost. n Equipment must be new and installed on the premises. n A HomeCheck assessment must be completed before insulation and sealing projects can qualify for rebates. n Equipment included in the New Homes program comprehensive rebate is not eligible for additional rebates in the Residential Equipment program. n Equipment must be purchased and installed between Jan. 1 and Dec. 31, n Rebate applications must be postmarked by March 31, 2017, to qualify for the 2016 rebates. Rebate applications for equipment/materials purchased in 2016, postmarked after March 31, 2017, will not be eligible for rebates. Rebate applications for central air conditioners installed after Oct. 1, 2016, can be submitted up to Sept. 30, 2017, if pre-enrolled by Dec. 31, 2016, due to SAVE testing requirements. n Invoice/receipt must show manufacturer s name, model/serial number, efficiency rating and quantity of qualifying equipment purchased and installed. n Allow 4-6 weeks for rebate processing. n MidAmerican Energy Company reserves the right to inspect and verify installation before or after issuing the rebate payment. n MidAmerican Energy Company does not guarantee that installation and operation of energy-efficient equipment will result in reduced usage or in cost savings. The manner in which a customer uses and maintains energy-efficient equipment affects potential cost savings. n MidAmerican Energy Company makes no warranties, expressed or implied, with respect to any equipment purchased or installed, including, but not limited to, any warranty of merchantability or fitness for a particular purpose. n In no event shall MidAmerican Energy Company be held liable for any incidental or consequential damages or injuries resulting from defective equipment or installation. n Additional program-specific qualifications are shown on individual program pages. n For complete rebate requirements refer to individual rebate applications. n These programs are effective Jan. 1, 2016, through Dec. 31, 2016, and are subject to periodic review by MidAmerican Energy Company, and MidAmerican Energy Company reserves the right to modify or end these programs at any time. 17

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