Geothermal Rebate Program

Summary

December 2012 Update:  CEFIA has not yet developed or launched a new financing program. The below information is for historical reference only.

Using funding from the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA), the Clean Energy Finance and Investment Authority (CEFIA) is offering geothermal heat pump rebates on a first-come, first-served basis to pre-approved systems installed after December 15, 2009. This program is meant to run in conjunction with the existing utility geothermal rebate programs (Connecticut Light & Power Company, United Illuminating Company). Projects within these utilities' service territories are required to apply to both the utility and the CEFIA programs. 

CEFIA requires that buildings meet minimum efficiency levels to be eligible for the geothermal heat pump rebate.

Residential projects
New homes must be Energy Star rated. Existing homes must participate in their utility's Home Energy Solutions Program (or comparable) and recommended energy efficiency improvements must be made prior to installing the geothermal heat pump. Developers are eligible for rebates on 25 residential dwellings with separate systems as long as separate applications are submitted and multi-family projects with five or more dwellings will be treated as a commercial project (and commercial rebate amounts apply). 

Commercial projects
Buildings must meet or exceed the Connecticut Building Code Standards and applicants are strongly encouraged to participate in other programs funded by the CEFIA (if applicable), which are offered through certain utilities.* 

Applicants must be sure to select contractors eligible to conduct the geothermal installations, check CEFIA's website for the list.

Because these incentives are provided using ARRA money, beneficiaries will be subjected to additional terms and conditions, including reporting requirements among others.

*Connecticut Light & Power Company and United Illuminating Company