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Rebate programs near zero funds at year's end
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By CHUCK CLEMENT, Staff Reporter
| 12/07/2012 |
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The end of 2012 may also bring the balances of Madison's energy-efficiency rebate accounts down to zero.
In 2012, city officials started residential and commercial rebate programs for home and business owners to encourage the use of energy-efficient appliances.
Homeowners were offered $50 and $100 rebates for replacing older appliances such as washers and dryers with modern, energy-efficient models. Commercial business owners were offered rebates for some of the cost of installing energy-efficient lighting systems in their buildings.
Jeff Heinemeyer, the city's recently-retired finance officer, told the city commissioners earlier this week that the balances were getting low for both rebate programs. Earlier this year, city officials had dedicated $21,000 to the commercial program and $8,000 to the residential program.
Heinemeyer, who also provides administrative support to the electric advisory committee, reported that the committee members suggested shifting money before the end of 2012 between the two funds wherever it is needed. They also suggested that the residential program could apply 2013 funding to December appliance purchases when the paperwork was received in January.
Commissioner Scott Delzer proposed that the city commission leave the distribution of the rebate funds in the residential and commercial programs up to the discretion of the program's administrator.
During their Nov. 1 meeting, the advisory board committee members discussed the analysis of Madison's load management system for its electric utility. The study was conducted by Heartland Consumers Power District.
In 2011, officials estimate that the city lowered its costs for electricity purchases by $400,000 by operating a load management system. The system temporarily shuts down certain electric appliances when the utility gets too close to peak demands for electricity.
It was estimated that about $350,000 was saved through load management of water heaters, air-conditioners, and electric heating systems. About $50,000 in savings was possible through the management of dual-fuel heating systems.
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©Madison Daily Leader 2013
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