Rebates

The Maine Public Utility Commission (PUC) adopted interconnection procedures in January 2010; the rules were last updated in 2020. These rules apply to all transmission and distribution utilities operating in the state and apply to all distribution generation (not just renewables). Maine's interconnection procedures, based in part on the Interstate Renewable Energy Council's. 2006 Model Interconnection Procedures,* identify four different tiers with corresponding technical screens. These are:

• Level 1: Small certified generating, inverter-based facilities 25 kilowatts (kW) or less;
• Level 2: Certified facilities 2 megawatts (MW) or less;
• Level 3: Non-exporting, certified facilities 10 MW or less;
• Level 4: Any generating

The Public Service Board (PSB), now the Public Utilities Commission of Vermont, developed rules regarding utility line extension requests. While the majority of the regulations focus on the procedure followed (and associated fees) for the actual line extensions, the PSB also included a provision that requires electric utilities to provide written information to customers upon request about off-grid electricity generators as an alternative to line extensions. The PSB recognized that in many cases, off-grid electricity generators are less expensive than extending the electricity distribution lines, and therefore customers should be made aware of this option.

Legislation enacted in 2009 directed the Maine Public Utilities Commission (PUC) to develop a program offering green power as an option to residential and small commercial customers in the state. The PUC issued rules in October 2010 and issued an RFP. The PUC selected a company, 3 Degrees Group, Inc., to manage the statewide green power program for Maine, which launched in April 2012. 

The program purchases renewable energy certificates from qualified Maine renewable resources on behalf of Green Power customers. The program seeks to obtain 25% of its power from Maine Class I renewable energy projects that have been

Note: In 2010, the Federal Housing Finance Agency (FHFA), which has authority over mortgage underwriters Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac, directed these enterprises against purchasing mortgages of homes with a PACE lien due to its senior status above a mortgage. Most residential PACE activity subsided following this directive; however, some residential PACE programs are now operating with loan loss reserve funds, appropriate disclosures, or other protections meant to address FHFA's concerns. Commercial PACE programs were not directly affected by FHFA’s actions, as Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac do not underwrite commercial mortgages. Visit PACENation for more information about PACE financing

Note: In 2010, the Federal Housing Finance Agency (FHFA), which has authority over mortgage underwriters Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac, directed these enterprises against purchasing mortgages of homes with a PACE lien due to its senior status above a mortgage. Most residential PACE activity subsided following this directive; however, some residential PACE programs are now operating with loan loss reserve funds, appropriate disclosures, or other protections meant to address FHFA's concerns. Commercial PACE programs were not directly affected by FHFA’s actions, as Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac do not underwrite commercial mortgages. Visit PACENow for more information about PACE financing

In December 2003, the City of Atlanta passed a green building ordinance that applies to city-owned facilities and city-funded projects. This green building ordinance applies to all new construction and renovation projects in which the building has 5,000 square feet of occupied space or the total project cost exceeds $2 million. These projects must incorporate sustainable design principles and must meet the Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) Silver rating. Departments must submit an annual report to the City's environmental manager to demonstrate compliance with this standard.

The Maryland Energy Administration (MEA) offers rebates for mid-sized photovoltaic (PV) systems, solar water heating systems (SWH) and Geothermal Heating & Cooling (GHC) installed by businesses, non-profits, and local governments.  Funding is available on first-come, first-serve basis and is subject to change based on funding availability.

Program Description

The incentive amounts for each technology depends on the capacity of system. 

In October 2009, the Regulatory Commission of Alaska (RCA) approved net metering regulations. These rules were finalized and approved by the lieutenant governor in January 2010 and became effective January 15, 2010. All electric utilities subject to economic regulation are required to offer net metering. Independent systems with retail sales of less than 5,000,000 kilowatt-hours (kWh) are exempt from offering net metering. Utilities that generate 100% of electricity from certain approved renewable energy sources and other sources approved by the RCA that have a low environmental impact are also exempt.

With these regulations, renewable energy systems with a capacity up

Concord Municipal Light Plant (CMLP) offers rebates to customers who install solar photovoltaic (PV) systems that are designed to offset the customer's electrical needs. Systems must be owned by the customer or leased under a leased agreement approved by Concord Light's legal counsel. Systems must be located at the customer's premise. Customers should complete the solar application and sign the terms and conditions. In addition, customers must submit a copy of the installation contract, and CMLP interconnection application. Furthermore, customers must allow CMLP access to the property and system for a rebate verification inspection.

The City of Sunset Valley offers rebates to local homeowners who install photovoltaic (PV) systems on their properties. The local rebate acts as an add-on to the PV rebates that are offered by Austin Energy to its electric customers.

The Sunset Valley rebate is $1.00 per watt (W) up to 3,000 W. In order to qualify for the Sunset Valley rebate, the system must first qualify for an Austin Energy rebate. In addition, the system installation cost must be $6 per kW or less.

The Sunset Valley rebates are in addition to the Austin Energy rebate of $2.50 per watt