PA Home Energy (West Penn Power) - Home Efficiency Incentives

Summary

Note: This program offers incentives for comprehensive measures that improve home energy efficiency. It does not provide rebates for energy efficient appliances. The Pennsylvania Home Energy program is intended to help Pennsylvania consumers reduce their home energy use. The program is sponsored by the West Penn Power Sustainable Energy Fund (WPPSEF) and is currently available on a pilot basis only to Pennsylvania residents that receive electric service from West Penn Power (Allegheny Energy). Program administrators hope to eventually expand the program to cover all Pennsylvania residents. The program provides modest incentives for new homes under the Energy Star Homes program and existing homes under the Home Performance with Energy Star program. Both programs offer incentives ranging from $200 to $1,000 determined by the reduction of energy consumption and energy efficiency. For new homes, the program offers gradually increasing incentives for homes that achieve certain ratings on based on the Home Energy Rating System (HERS) index. Actual incentives vary based on the size of the home, the number of bedrooms, and the HERS score that the home achieves. Generally speaking, larger homes must achieve a better HERS score in order to qualify for incentives. The program website contains an incentive calculator to help new home buyers estimate the incentive for which they could qualify. Owners of existing home may apply for incentives through the PA Home Energy Home Performance with Energy Star program. In order to participate in the program, homeowners must first contract with an approved Home Energy Service Provider to have an energy audit performed on the home. The energy audit includes various energy related testing procedures (e.g., infrared imaging, blower door tests), but is also intended to address certain health and safety issues (e.g., carbon monoxide). The service provider then assists the homeowner in selecting cost-effective improvements based on the results of the audit. Typical improvements could include appliance, lighting, and HVAC upgrades; air sealing; insulation; and installation of renewable energy systems. Incentives are based on the energy savings that result from improvements made to the home, ranging from $200 for a 20% energy use reduction to $1,000 for reductions of 49% or more. Please visit the program website for additional information on these programs.