Builders with new construction projects in NW Natural’s Washington gas service territory are eligible to receive cash incentives from Energy Trust of Oregon for gas heated homes that receive Energy Star or Earth Advantage certification. Starting in February, 2016 an Energy Performance Score (EPS) incentive will be available for all newly built homes heated by NW Natural. Builders are also eligible to receive an incentive for installing a tank water heater. For more information on the incentive program for builders, see the program web site.

In March 2006, Wisconsin enacted Act 141 (2005), which requires the Wisconsin Public Service Commission (WPSC) to revise goals, priorities, and measurable targets for energy efficiency programs every 4 years.  Funding is provided by ratepayers to the utilities' statewide energy efficiency program (Focus on Energy) in order to achieve these goals, with the funding levels increasing each year. Utilities are required to spend 1.2% of annual operating revenues to fund both energy efficiency and renewable energy programs. 

Energy Efficiency Goals 

Energy efficiency goals are through the Quadrennial Planning Process through the WPSC. 

The most recent Quadrennial Planning Process revised the

Duluth Comfort Systems offers a loan program for homeowners to increase the energy efficiency of homes located within the city. Loans are available for insulation, air sealing, furnace replacements, water heaters, lighting improvements, and certain appliances. Contact Duluth Comfort Systems regarding the eligibility of other improvements not listed here. An energy audit must be performed on participating homes in order to identify needed upgrades. The maximum loan is $30,000 for an owner occupied house and $15,000 per rental unit for non-owner occupied or multi-unit properties. All loans must be repaid within 10 years of project commencement. Only residents of Duluth

Permitting Rules

In September 2009, the Governor of Wisconsin signed S.B. 185 (Act 40) directing the Wisconsin Public Service Commission (PSC) to establish statewide wind energy siting rules. PSC Docket 1-AC-231 was created to conduct the rulemaking, requiring the PSC to convene an advisory council composed of various interested stakeholders (e.g. developers, political subdivisions, environmental groups, landowners, etc.). In December 2010, the Commission adopted the wind siting rules (PSC 128). The rules were scheduled to take effect on March 1, 2011, but on that date, the Joint Committee for the Review of Administrative Rules voted to suspend the rules. The

In July 2008, New Hampshire enacted legislation designed to prevent municipalities from adopting ordinances or regulations that place unreasonable limits on or hinder the performance of wind energy systems up to 100 kilowatts (kW) in capacity. Such wind turbines must be used primarily to produce energy for on-site consumption. The law identifies several possible restrictions that would be considered unreasonable:

• The outright prohibition of small wind turbines (i.e., wind turbines up to 100 kW) in all districts of a municipality.
• Generic height restrictions that do not specifically address the allowable tower height or system height of small wind turbines.
• Property

Moreno Valley Electric Utility provides rebates to its electric customers for the purchase of photovoltaic (PV) systems. System must be on the same premises as the customer to qualify. Systems 30 kilowatts (kW) or less can receive an upfront incentive of $1.00 per Watt up to $10,000 for a residential system and $50,000 for small commercial systems, or 50% of cost, whichever is less. Systems larger than 30 kW up to 500 kW can receive a performance-based incentive of $0.04 per kWh for 4 years. Incentives for systems over 500 kW and up to 1 MW will be determined on

Ameren Illinois offers residential customers incentives for certain energy efficiency upgrades and improvements. All equipment must meet program efficiency and installation standards. Contact Ameren for additional information on these offerings.

Milwaukee Energy Efficiency is a loan program for residential energy efficiency improvements. Loans are available for owner-occupied single family residences or owner-occupied multi-family residences of up to three units. Property must be located within the City of Milwaukee. To sign up for the program, interested residents should use the sign up form on the program web site. Loans are administered by Summit Credit Union.

This program is part of the U.S. Department of Energy's (DOE) Better Buildings Program. The DOE helped more than 40 states, local governments, and organizations to administer local programs targeting a variety of building types

The Energy Upgrade California program serves as a one-stop shop for California homeowners who want to improve the energy efficiency of their homes. The program connects homeowners with qualified contractors, and helps homeowners find all the available incentives from their local utilities and local governments. The program is available statewide and is managed locally by utilities and regional energy networks. 

To participate in the program, interested California homeowners should go to the website listed above and select an eligible contractor. The contractor will work with the homeowner to determine which improvements are best for the home and help fill out

Avista Utilities Home Improvement and New Home Construction programs offer a variety of incentives encouraging residential customers to save energy in their homes. The rebates listed apply to residential homeowners in Washington who heat homes primarily with Avista electricity or natural gas. Incentives vary depending on technology, and generally apply to both existing and new construction homes. Interested customers should review the website for more information including individual equipment requirements and to access application forms.