Okanogan PUD offers energy efficiency incentives

BREWSTER – Okanogan County PUD representatives Sheila Corson and Kimberly Johnson were among guest speakers at the regular monthly meeting of the Brewster Chamber of Commerce last Wednesday, Feb. 5. The pair discussed the utility’s energy efficiency incentives
“Because we are Bonneville Power customers, we get money back for energy efficiency incentives,” said Corson, the utility’s public relations spokeswoman, “and that includes residential, commercial, industrial and agricultural.”
The pair reviewed the PUD’s commercial and residential incentive programs since their audience of chamber members are small business and/or residential owners.
Johnson, the PUD’s energy services coordinator explained that PUD customers can qualify for projects that upgrade windows, doors, heat pumps, insulation and related improvements. The PUD also offers incentives for owners of NEEM (Northwest Energy Efficient Manufactured) homes
The NEEM program works with Northwest manufactured home builders and is recognized by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) for incorporating the latest materials and technologies to create homes that qualify as Energy Certified. NEEM has certified more than 240,000 of the most energy efficient homes ever built according to the website neemhomes.com.
Energy efficiency incentives are available for*:
● Windows: Upgrades from single-pane metal, wood or vinyl or double-pane metal to vinyl windows that have a U-value of 0.30 or better.
● Doors: Substandard exterior doors upgraded to Energy Star®.
● Insulation: Upgrades in attics, floors and wall.
● Ductless heat pump: Obtain specific requirements prior to contractor installation.
● NEEM: Purchase a NEEM home.
*Contact Kim Johnson, Energy Services, 509-422-8428 before commencing project.
“The big thing is if you are planning a project and it has anything to do with energy efficiencies such as insulation, windows, doors or different things like that, give us a call beforehand,” said Corson. “You might qualify for something that you don’t even realize you can qualify for.”