Utility Rebates for Energy Efficiency Upgrades

Local utilities want to give you money for energy efficiency upgrades to your home. The government is giving millions of dollars in the form of residential energy efficiency rebates to local utilities in an effort to reduce national energy consumption. Here’s how it works:

• Have a certified professional perform a free home energy audit.
• Get the necessary energy efficiency improvements for your home: weatherization, attic insulation, radiant barrier, and air duct sealing, replacement and sealing
• Arrange a final inspection from Austin Energy.
• Look in your mailbox after 2-4 weeks for your rebate check.

Rebates can cover 50% to 90% of the cost of energy efficiency upgrades that will increase the value of your home and significantly lower your monthly utility bills. The rebate amount will depend on the size of your home:

Additionally, the federal government is offering tax credits for insulation. Through December 2010, you can receive as a tax credit up to 30% of the cost of insulation (up to $1,500).

To find out how much money the government will give you, contact us to schedule a free home energy audit.

For more information about local rebate programs, you may contact Austin Energy at (512) 974-7827 or custinfo@austinenergy.com.

For Rebate Qualifiers

We file all of your rebate paperwork! Green Collar Operations is a participating contractor for the Home Performance with Energy Star program. As a participating company it is our job to take care of your paperwork and ensure you get your rebates as quickly as possible.

Here is the breakdown of how we file for your rebates:

1. No Cost Energy Audit - Green Collar Operations will come out and perform a free energy audit.
2. Your Signature and Acceptance of Rebates - Once the work is scheduled we will bring out the Rebate Bid Summary for your signature. The Rebate bid summary outlines all of the energy efficiency measures to be performed as well as the total rebates associated with Austin Energy and Texas Gas.
3. We submit to Austin Energy - We file the Rebate Bid Summary along with an Energy Analysis with Austin Energy. Austin Energy asks for at least 5 business days to process the paperwork.
4. We schedule your Final Inspection – After 5 business days we call Austin Energy to schedule your final Inspection for your rebates. This inspection is super easy, usually completed within half an hour. The final inspection is done to ensure the work was completed and installed correctly.
5. Rebates are sent directly to you – Upon passing the final inspection Austin Energy will issue a check and Texas Gas will issue another mailed directly to you. Rebate checks are usually received within 2-4 weeks upon completion of the final inspection.

Tax Credit Information

By installing attic insulation, you are eligible to receive a federal tax credit for 30% (or up to $1,500) of the insulation cost. As your insulation contractor, we are required to provide certification that the insulation we use meets the requirements of the tax provision. If you decide to claim your insulation tax credit, download this manufacturer’s certification form (PDF). Keep this document and any receipts with your income tax records. For additional information about the federal tax credit for home energy efficiency improvements, please consult your tax advisor or accountant.

When filling out the manufacturer’s certification statement, the product we use is “InsulSafe Blowing Wool” and the R-value is R-38.