Residential Incentives
Cash Incentives
We are happy to help you save energy and money by improving your home’s energy efficiency. CEC incentives are in addition to all existing utility rebates and tax credits. A low-interest loan is available to cover the remainder of project costs.
Scroll down or click on one of these topics to learn about the residential incentives.
What does this pyramid represent?
Do I need to have an energy assessment to receive the incentive?
Are there incentives for installing water saving appliances?
The Details
What does this pyramid represent?
This pyramid represents energy-saving upgrades prioritized by cost-effectiveness. The Community Energy Challenge has grouped measures together that will help you save the most energy while minimizing upfront costs. To receive the CEC incentive you do not necessarily need to complete all measures indicated in a certain level, just the measures that have been recommended for your home following your energy assessment. We’ll help you start at the base and work your way up to a level of investment that’s right for you.
Do I need to have an energy assessment to receive the incentive?
Yes. There is no substitute for good information. An energy assessment performed by a certified building analyst uses the latest technology to reveal where your home loses energy. This allows you to know which energy efficiency measures will save you the most energy and money, and the incentives are available to make the recommended upgrades more affordable.
The cost of the assessment is $195. However, once you decide on which energy-saving actions to take in your home, $95 of this will be credited to the cost of recommended improvements, effectively providing an expert assessment (valued at $600) for $100. Fill out our online form to indicate your interest in receiving a home assessment and we’ll get back to you to schedule one.
Does the Community Energy Challenge provide financing to help with the cost of energy efficiency installations?
Yes. In partnership with Banner Bank, we are pleased to provide access to low-interest, preferential term loans for participants to help cover costs.
Are there incentives for installing water saving appliances?
The Community Energy Challenge and the City Water Conservation Program have teamed up to offer rebates to city water customers participating in the CEC. The rebates, up to $150, apply to certain water conserving fixtures, washing machines, drip irrigation systems, or rainwater catchment systems. They are intended to make it easier for participants to save water as they save energy and to educate about the relationship between the two.
Why now?
Energy efficiency not only saves you money, it also creates local jobs in our community and reduces our impact on the environment. The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act has supplied this funding to put people back to work and get America on track to a more energy independent future. The Community Energy Challenge and Whatcom County are helping to lead the way. These cash incentives are a limited time offer. Don’t let this unique opportunity pass you by!
How do I sign up?
Click here to fill out the online form to indicate your interest in receiving a home energy assessment. A staff member will call you soon to schedule.
You can also:
CALL: 360-676-6099
EMAIL: communityenergychallenge@oppco.org.
VISIT: 1322 N. State St, Bellingham, WA 98225.
