BONNEVILLE POWER ADMINISTRATION
BPA aims to reignite the regional energy efficiency economy with new promotions

BPA continues to evolve to meet the needs of our customers during these uncertain times. The coronavirus pandemic has significantly impacted some of our utility customers' abilities to administer effective energy efficiency programs, namely offering reimbursement rates to their end-use customers who purchase upgrades that would make their home or business more energy efficient, like installing home insulation or a commercial HVAC system. Regional economic conditions have also been impacted by stay-at-home orders, which have stalled energy efficiency programs. 

As the region adapts to measures meant to minimize the spread of COVID-19, BPA is stepping up to offer local businesses, electric utilities and consumers financial support. BPA aims to help reignite the regional energy efficiency economy by giving utilities the means to help their customers, who may be struggling to pay their energy bills or maintain comfortable temperatures in their homes and businesses. Contractors, whose work has decreased or halted during the pandemic, will also benefit.

BPA is offering special promotions that give incentives to improve HVAC energy efficiency to participating utilities, such as residential advanced smart thermostats and heat pumps, and commercial advanced rooftop unit controls, connected thermostats and heat pump retrofits and upgrades. By bolstering incentives for HVAC equipment especially during the hottest months of the year utilities can extend the benefits of better air quality, reduced energy bills and increased comfort in homes and businesses. Offering HVAC rebates will also stimulate HVAC sales and installation, creating more work for technicians and contractors.

"The measures included in this promotion are targeted to help reduce electricity use at times when demand is the highest," says Jess Kincaid, Residential Sector lead. "By installing high-efficiency heating and cooling equipment, customers can reduce their energy bills while helping utilities and BPA keep rates low."

BPA's offer of up to a $500 rebate increase on some HVAC technologies allows utilities more flexibility in what they can offer to their end-use customers as an incentive. In addition, BPA is increasing Performance Payments the administrative overhead payments utilities receive to help implement their energy efficiency programs to help utilities access funds faster. The increased incentives and Performance Payments are optional; utilities can decide to accept the increased payments or stay at their current levels, based on their current budget and preference.

"I'm already hearing back from local HVAC contractors grateful to be offering the additional incentives to our members. We appreciate the BPA promo during these difficult times," said Renee Fiedler from Peninsula Light Company in Gig Harbor, Washington.

Energy Efficiency created a webpage dedicated to the special promotions. The page details promotional incentive payments, Performance Payments and a section for customizable marketing materials for the Residential and Commercial sectors. Energy Efficiency also offers direct support to utilities who want to use the materials but may not have their own internal marketing resources.

For more information on the Energy Efficiency promotional offers, please contact Jess Kincaid or Ryan LeBaron.