Energy Efficiency Program

                                      Energy Rebates

Laurens Municipal Power & Communications

Energy Efficiency Rebate Program

Effective 1-1-24 through 12-31-24

Click here to apply for your rebate electronically.

General Statement

The efficient use of energy is very important to Laurens Municipal Power & Communications (LMPC). Whether the goal is saving money, improving air quality or reducing greenhouse gas emissions, energy conservation is the place to start. From simple lifestyle changes to substantial property improvements, energy efficiency pays off with both economic and environmental benefits for families and businesses. This Energy Efficiency Rebate Program provides financial incentives to encourage customers to purchase and install energy efficient heating and cooling systems along with other devices and home improvements which use electricity wisely.

General Program Information

  1. The effective date of this Rebate Program is January 1, 2024. Individual programs may be changed or cancelled by LMPC without notice.  Customers should check with the LMPC office for information on programs.
  2. The energy efficient device(s) shall be installed in the LMPC service territory and cannot be relocated or sold for resale until retired from service.
  3. LMPC reserves the right to verify installation and invoices prior to rebate being paid.
  4. Rebates will not exceed equipment costs minus any manufacturers or dealer rebates.
  5. To receive LMPC rebates, the items must be purchased and installed between January 1, 2024 and December 31, 2024. Rebate applications must be postmarked by January 31, 2025 to qualify for this rebate program.  Attach a sales receipt from your dealer, including the manufacturer’s name, model and serial number of the equipment purchased and installed.
  6. Customers are responsible to have all equipment installed in accordance with all codes, standards, and regulatory requirements.
  7. Rebates will be approved on new devices only. No rebates will be approved for used items.
  8. LMPC does not guarantee reduced usage, demand, or cost savings. LMPC makes no warranties, expressed or implied, with the respect to any equipment purchased or installed.  In no event shall LMPC be liable for any incidental or consequential damages.  LMPC does not endorse any manufacturer or product in this program.
  9. Completed applications will be processed on a first come, first served basis, until available funds are committed.
  10. Any income tax or taxes, which may be payable as a result of the rebate being paid (or applied to the utility account), are the responsibility of the customer.
  11. LMPC will make the final decision on what qualifies for a rebate.

Residential/Commercial/Non-Profit Rebates

Rebates will be issued to the party that paid for the energy efficient item(s).  If that party also occupies the residence/business where the device was installed, the rebate will be paid as a credit to the utility account at that location.  If that party does not occupy the residence/business where the device was installed, the rebate will be applied as a credit to another utility account in that party’s name, or will be given in the form of a check. Payment will be made upon approval of completed application, sales receipt, and LMPC verification.  Rebates are offered on a first come, first served basis.  Rebate limitations are listed in Table 1.

 

Table I

Maximum Rebate Allowances

Annual maximum amount for all residential, commercial, and non-profit rebates to be paid by LMPC for this years’ Rebate Program:    $15,000

Annual maximum Residential rebate per dwelling:                   $3,000

Annual maximum Commercial rebate per property:                $5,000

Annual maximum Non-Profit rebate per property:                   $5,000

 

Heating and Cooling System Rebates

Central Air Conditioners:

An energy-efficient central air conditioner will help you save money and energy.  ENERGY STAR certified central air conditioners have higher seasonal energy efficiency ratio (SEER) and energy efficiency ratio (EER) ratings and use 8% less energy than conventional new models.

Rebate Requirements:

  • LMPC must be the provider of electricity for the equipment installed
  • Condenser and coil must both be replaced
          Qualifying Unit                                         Rebate Amount               

SEER2 > 15.2                                                      $ 50

SEER2 > 16.0                                                      $150

SEER2 > 17.0                                                      $250

SEER2 > 18.0                                                      $400

Central Air Source Heat Pumps:

Heat Pumps are an excellent choice for a residential HVAC System, especially in moderate climates.  As a versatile heating and cooling system, an air source heat pump can both heat and cool a home by extracting heat energy from the surrounding environment and moving it to another location.  In the winter, this means extracting heat from the outdoor air and moving it inside to provide warmth and comfort.  In the summer, this means taking heat energy from indoor air and moving it outside the home.

Rebate Requirements:

  • LMPC must be the provider of electricity for the equipment installed
  • Condenser and coil must both be replaced
        Qualifying Unit                                             Rebate Amount                  

          SEER2 ≥ 16 / HSPF2 ≥ 9                                             $400

          SEER2 ≥ 17 / HSPF2 ≥ 10                                          $500

          SEER2 ≥ 18 / HSPF2 ≥ 10.5                                        $600

Geothermal Heat Pumps:

Geothermal heat pumps (GHPs), also known as Ground Source Heat Pumps, are among the most efficient and comfortable heating and cooling technologies currently available, because they use the earth's natural heat to provide heating, cooling, and often water heating.

Rebate Requirements:

  • LMPC must be the provider of electricity for the equipment installed
  • Must be a new geothermal system including equipment and the ground loop
          Qualifying Unit                                                                                          Rebate Amount                 

Geothermal Water-to-Air (≥ 17.1 EER/ ≥ 3.6 COP)                                           $   800

Geothermal Water-to-Air ( ≥ 21.1 EER / ≥ 4.1 COP)                                          $1,000

Geothermal Water-to-Water ( ≥ 16.1 EER / ≥ 3.1 COP)                                  $   800

            Geothermal Water-To-Water ( ≥ 20.1 EER / ≥  3.5 COP)                                 $1,000

Ductless Mini Split System:

A ductless mini split heat pump does not require ducts to deliver the conditioned air.  The treated air is delivered directly from a unit installed on the wall or in the ceiling connected to an outdoor unit.  The main advantages of mini splits are their small size and flexibility for zoning or heating and cooling individual rooms.  Each of the zones has its own thermostat, so you only need to condition occupied spaces.

Overall Requirements:

  • LMPC must be the provider of electricity for the equipment installed
  • Must be an inverter-based unit

Rebate is paid based on each outdoor compressor unit

Qualifying Unit                                                                                            Rebate Amount                  

 Whole House Mini Split System SEER2 ≥ 16  / HSPF2 ≥ 9                           $400

Whole House Mini Split System SEER2 ≥17 / HSPF2 ≥ 10                           $500

 Whole House Mini Split System SEER2 ≥ 18 / HSPF2 ≥ 10.5                     $600

 

Supplemental Mini Split System SEER2 ≥ 16 / HSPF2 ≥ 9                             $200

Supplemental Mini Split System SEER2 ≥ 17 / HSPF2 ≥ 10                          $250

Supplemental Mini Split System SEER2 ≥ 18 / HSPF2 ≥ 10.5                      $300

Advanced (Smart) Thermostat:

A smart thermostat is a Wi-Fi enabled learning device that automatically adjusts heating and cooling temperature settings in your home for optimal performance.

Rebate Requirements:

  • LMPC must provide your primary heating source
  • Must have learning functionality with occupancy sensing with motion sensors; optimization based on historical trends and weather data or forecasts
Qualifying Unit                                                                           Rebate Amount                 

ENERGY STAR certified                                                      60% of Cost up to $75

Maintenance

Annual Maintenance:

Keeping your electrical heating and cooling systems in shape will extend the life of your equipment.

Rebate Requirements:

  • LMPC must be the provider of electricity for the equipment installed
Qualifying Unit                                                                               Rebate Amount                 

Central Air Conditioner Annual Maintenance                               $25

           Central Air Source Heat Pump Annual Maintenance                 $75

Geothermal System Annual Maintenance                                        $75

 

 

Water Heater Rebates

Electric Water Heater:

Electric Heat Pump Water Heaters take the heat out of the surrounding air and use it to heat the water inside.  The Department of Energy states that electric heat pump water heaters can be two to three times more energy efficient than conventional electric resistance water heaters.

Rebate Requirements:

  • LMPC must be the provider of electricity for the equipment installed
Qualifying Unit                                                                                                                                      Rebate Amount                

Standard Electric Resistance Water Heater:  (UEF ≥ 0.90)                                                                                            $  50

Heat Pump Water Heater: (UEF ≥ 2.20)                                                                                  $400

           Heat Pump Water Heater: (UEF ≥ 3.30)                                                                                   $600

Lighting Rebates

LED (Light Emitting Diode):

LED lighting products produce light up to 90% more efficiently than incandescent light bulbs.

Rebate Requirements:

  • LMPC must be the provider of electricity for the equipment installed
Residential Qualifying Unit                              Rebate Amount                 

LED Lamp Standard                                                    $  1

LED Lamp Specialty                                                    $  1

          LED Fixtures Downlight                                          50% of Cost up to $15

LED Fixtures Task/Under Cabinet                           50% of Cost up to $15

LED Fixtures (Outdoor)                                           50% of Cost up to $15

          LED Fixtures (Other)                                               50% of Cost up to $15

 

Non-Residential Qualifying Unit                              Rebate Amount 

LED Lamp Standard                                                    $  1

LED Lamp Specialty                                                    $  1

LED Fixtures (Standard)                                              50% of Cost up to $15

          LED Exit Sign                                                              50% of Cost up to $15

LED Troffer Fixtures                                                    50% of Cost up to $33

LED Low and High Bay Fixtures                            50% of Cost up to $80

Insulation Rebates

Insulation:

Properly insulated homes will keep you warm in the winter and cool in the summer.  You and your family will stay comfortable all year round without having to crank up your HVAC unit, rely on extra blankets, invest in fans, or settle for a too-hot or too-cold home.

Rebate Requirements:

  • LMPC must supply your home or business primary heating source
  • You must contact our office before you purchase any material and/or install any insulation
Qualifying Unit                                                                                                               Rebate Amount 

Duct Sealing                            60% of Job Cost up to $750

Duct Insulation                        60% of Job Cost up to $750

Attic/Ceiling Insulation            60% of Job Cost up to $750

Rim/Band Joint Insulation        60% of Job Cost up to $750

Wall Insulation                          60% of Job Cost up to $750

Floor Insulation                         60% of Job Cost up to $750

* Job cost = contract labor + equipment + material.

Electric Vehicle Chargers

EV Chargers:

Charging an electric car or plug-in hybrid is mainly done at home.  Home-charging accounts for 80% of all charging done by EV drivers.  There are three levels of EV charging:  Level 1, Level 2, and Level 3.  Level 3 is broken into DC Fast Charging and (Tesla) Supercharging.  The higher the level of charging, the faster the charging process, as more power is delivered to the vehicle.  It's important to note that different EV's charge at different speeds on each level because each EV can accept different levels of power from the charger.

Rebate Requirements:

  • LMPC must be the provider of electricity for the equipment installed
  • Purchase or lease a new electric vehicle between January 1, 2024 and December 31, 2024
  • Provide a copy of your itemized invoice marked paid, purchase finance agreement, or executed lease agreement
 Qualifying Unit                              Rebate Amount 

Level 2 or greater  EV Charger for Home                   $300

 

Shade Trees

Shade Trees:

In the summer, shade trees can help reduce cooling costs by blocking the solar heat absorbed through windows.  In the winter, the same tree can help reduce heating costs by letting some of the solar heat in through the windows.

Rebate Requirements:

  • The purchased shade tree shall be planted on a property that receives electric service from LMPC.
 Qualifying Unit                                                                           Rebate Amount 

Shade tree cannot be on the prohibited species list                   75% of Cost up to $100 per shade tree