Energy Efficiency Programs & Incentives

Everyone benefits from efficiency and reduced energy usage; consumers, providers, suppliers and most importantly the environment in which we live. The Simply Efficient Energy Efficiency Program exists to assist individuals and businesses in lowering their power bills by providing technical assistance and financial incentives for equipment and systems that improve electrical efficiency.

Take a look at the 2016 Incentive and Rebate Programs:

Refrigerator Recycling Program Temporarily Suspended

The CBPU is currently looking for a new organization to provide recycling pickup and rebate services. In the meantime, Omni Source will take all used refrigerators.

The City of Coldwater Recognized for Environmental Leadership

ANN ARBOR, Michigan – The City of Coldwater was recognized for environmental leadership at the Michigan Green Communities conference. As part of the Michigan Green Communities Challenge, participating local governments were awarded Gold, Silver, Bronze or Member seals of achievement reflecting community leadership in areas such as natural resource conservation, green economic development and energy efficiency.

Coldwater achieved Member status for exemplary action in a variety of categories including promoting home energy efficiency programs. These programs include audits, technology upgrades for heating and cooling, and ENERGY STAR appliances and products.

The Challenge is a new tool to help local leaders measure their progress in implementing energy, economic development and environmental improvements. It is supported by the Michigan Association of Counties, Michigan Department of Environmental Quality, Michigan Economic Development Corporation Energy Office, Michigan Municipal League and Michigan Townships Association. It uses a rating system to recognize sustainability accomplishments and serves as a guide for the community leaders looking to learn from their peers. Participation is free and open to all local governments in Michigan as part of the statewide Michigan Green Communities network that aims to support local sustainability efforts.

The Challenge launched in 2009 and emphasized energy efficiency projects in an effort to help local governments prepare for and make the best use of federal Energy Efficiency and Conservation Block Grant (EECBG) funds. In the past, graduate students from the University of Michigan worked with Challenge participants and the staff of a partner organization to update the program and reflect the evolving sustainability standards. The updated challenge reflects broader topics, such as green economic development, resource conservation and water quality in addition to maintaining a strong energy component.

CBPU Offering Home Energy Check-ups to Residential Customers

The Home Energy Check-up is a fast, easy way to increase the energy efficiency of a home and can help customers start saving immediately.  When a customer schedules a Home Energy Check-up, a energy efficiency professional will perform a one hour walk-through of their home assessing the condition of its insulation, heating and cooling systems, water heating equipment, windows, doors, lighting, appliances and air leakage.  After the Home Energy Check-up, customers will receive a report summarizing important findings, recommended improvements, and opportunities to reduce their energy use and costs, while improving the comfort of their home.

The cost of the Home Energy Check-up is a nominal fee of $40. However, if the customer allows the energy efficiency professional to install at least three of the recommended energy-saving measures, the CBPU will waive the Home Energy Check-up fee and the cost of the installed energy-saving measures.  Recommended energy savings may include compact fluorescent light bulbs (CFLs), water saving faucet aerators, efficient-flow showerheads, water heater pipe insulation, and water heater tank wrap (electric water heaters only).

CBPU customers interested in the Home Energy Check-up can e-mail an Home Energy Application to bgranger@coldwater.org or contact Bob Granger at 279-9531 x 6910.

CBPU Customers Can REAP Big Savings

REAP is a Residential Energy Assistance Program designed to help low income customers that at times may have difficulty paying their utility bills.  REAP was designed specifically for CBPU customers whose household income falls under 200 percent of the poverty income, based on family size.

A basic audit of the qualified applicant’s home will be performed followed with energy education and a review of their current utility billing. Energy saving measures selected for their home. Future electrical and water usage will be monitored and results reviewed with the applicant.

CBPU customers interested in more information on the REAP program can contact Bob Granger at 279-9531 x 6910.

Make Sure You're Finding ALL the Incentives and Rebates Offered in Your State with DSIRE

DSIRE is a comprehensive source of information on state, local, utility and federal incentives and policies that promote renewable energy and energy efficiency. Established in 1995 and funded by the U.S. Department of Energy, DSIRE is an ongoing project of the N.C. Solar Center and the Interstate Renewable Energy Council.

To apply for the rebate incentives, click the Residential or Commercial Incentives link at the top of the page.  If you'd like, we can mail you copy or you can stop by our office and pick one up too.

Must be a CBPU electric customer to be eligible for energy efficiency rebate incentives.