Rebate Program

Electric Heat Energy Efficiency Program

Objective:
The objective of the DS&O Rural Electric Cooperative "Electric Heat Energy Efficiency Program" is to encourage energy efficiency and conservation by the DS&O members by encouraging members/consumers to install air source heat pumps or geothermal heat pumps to heat and cool their homes or businesses.

Qualifying Standards:

• The minimum requirements for an air source heat pump are a SEER of 14 and an HSPF of 8.2.
• The minimum requirements for a geothermal heat pump, are a COP of 3.3 and an EER of 14.1 (closed loop) and a COP of 3.6 and an EER of 16.2 (open loop).
• Both must have a minimum unit size of 2 tons.
• Must be permanently installed.
• The member must allow DS&O to install a load control device if contacted to do so.

Payment Levels:

• The payment for an air source heat pump will be:
  • $100 per ton for a 14 SEER
  • $150 per ton for a 15 SEER
  • $200 per ton for a 16 SEER
• The payment for a geothermal heat pump will be:
  • $125 per every ½ ton.

Other Considerations:
DS&O Rural Electric Cooperative minimum requirements shall increase as Energy Star minimum requirements increase.

Water Heater Energy Efficiency Program

Objective:
The objective of the DS&O Rural Electric Cooperative "Water Heater Energy Efficiency Program" is to promote energy efficiency and conservation by the DS&O members by encouraging members/consumers to install energy efficient electric water heaters; standard or lifetime units.

Qualifying Standards:

• Electric water heaters must have a minimum capacity of 40 gallons and a maximum connected wattage of 5500 watts. This requirement may be waived on a case-by-case basis, particularly in commercial applications, where a larger wattage or smaller capacity unit may be installed.
• For water heaters less than 60 gallons, the water heater must have a minimum EF (Energy Factor) of .93. For water heaters 60 gallons or larger, it must have a minimum EF of .91. These minimum EF requirements are the performance requirements for federal purchases under the Federal Energy Management Program.
• All water heaters must be equipped with a safety pressure relief valve.
• The member must allow DS&O to install a load control device if contacted to do so.

Payment Levels:

• The payment for replacing a non-electric water heater, new construction or replacing an existing electric water heater with a qualifying standard water will be $100 and $150 for lifetime electric water heaters.
• Rebates shall be limited to one water heater per location. However, multiple electric water heater installations, at a member's premises, shall be available. If a water heater payment was paid on the unit being replaced, a second rebate can be paid only if the warranty has expired.

Other Considerations:
DS&O Rural Electric Cooperative minimum requirements shall increase as Energy Star minimum requirements increase.