In-Home Energy Evaluation Program

Beginning October 1, 2009 Pickwick Electric Cooperative and TVA are making it easier than ever to become energy efficient while also saving money. With the new In-Home Energy Evaluation Program, you can reduce your power usage and receive a cash incentive or financing assistance for installing home energy improvements. The recommended energy-related home improvements you make are eligible for reimbursement of 50 percent of the installation cost, with an upper limit of $500, or for convenient financing.

Here’s How It Works

Contact Pickwick Electric Cooperative to arrange for an in-home energy evaluation by a TVA-certified evaluator. There will be an upfront fee of $50, but if the participant spends $150 or more to implement recommended actions, the fee will be reimbursed.

The evaluator reviews your home and creates a report outlining the potential energy-efficiency modifications and available cash incentives or financing.

Modifications must be made by a member of the TVA Quality Contractor Network, except for self-installed insulation. The evaluator will provide the names of qualified contractors.

All home improvements must be completed within 90 days. Once the work is finished, it will be inspected to ensure that everything is installed properly to maximize savings.

After the inspection, you submit receipts for the completed work to be eligible for the cash incentive. For financing, your contractor will be paid directly upon successful completion of the inspection. Incentives will not be paid when financing is used.

Cash Incentive Option

No matter how many modifications are made, $500 is the maximum reimbursable amount for all approved work completed. Some modifications have lower maximum amounts, and some require distributor pre-approval (see list).

Eligible Improvements

Energy Efficiency

Measures

Requirements

Incentive

Financing

Replace windows Must meet Energy Star® requirements (officially branded with a sticker) $500 No

Storm windows

Must meet energy right® requirements

$500

Yes

Duct repair/ replacement & sealing

  • Existing HVAC only
  • Air distribution only

$500

Yes

Rehabilitation work

Minor repair work such as broken glass, glazing or prime door replacement and Distributor pre-approval

$250

Yes

Replace HVAC

  • All heat pumps included
  • Dual-fuel heat pumps
  • Air conditioning (with gas pack or gas split)
  • Must meet Energy Star requirements
  • Distributor pre-approval for dual fuel or air conditioning

$250

  • Heat pumps
  • Dual-fuel heat pumps

Attic insulation/ ventilation (must be non-powered)

Must meet energy right requirements (Weatherization)

$500

Yes

Floor or perimeter insulation, and ground cover

  • Must meet energy right requirements (Weatherization)
  • Where allowed

$500

Yes

Exterior wall insulation

  • Knee walls only
  • R18 or greater

$500

Yes

Water heater insulation

Electric only

$50

Yes

Air sealing (including weather-strip and caulk)

Must meet energy right requirements (Weatherization)

$500

Yes

Self-installed insulation, caulk, weather-strip, rehabilitation (as defined above)

  • Only the cost of materials may be claimed
  • Distributor pre-approval

$250

No

HVAC tune-up

Must be performed by QCN contractor.

$150

Yes

These items are eligible for financing of all installed recommended measures up to $20,000 and subject to credit approval or up to a maximum of $500 cash incentive on recommended installation measures. The loan can be paid back over three years and is payable via your monthly electric bill.

The minimum loan is $1500 when a heat pump is not financed. The loan can be financed for up to three years and is payable via your monthly electric bill.

Some items may also be eligible for federal tax credits. For information, see fact sheets available from Tax Incentives Assistance Project site.

The Following are not Eligible for Cash Incentives or Financing

  • Water heaters (including tankless)
  • Clothes washers or dryers
  • Dishwashers
  • Refrigerators
  • Insulated garage doors
  • Storm doors
  • Window film/solar screens
  • Radiant barriers
  • Room air conditioners
  • Programmable thermostats (existing systems)

For more information on the In-Home Energy Evaluation Program, incentives, and financing options, call Pickwick Electric Cooperative at 731-646-3786 or 731-646-3825.