Members who use energy wisely by upgrading or installing energy-efficient heat pumps, geothermal units or even water heaters can reap immediate as well as long-term rewards.
Most people know that when you upgrade your old HVAC or water heating equipment, you’ll save energy, and, therefore, money on your monthly electric bill. But your electric co-op wants to help you find even more savings.
Orange County REMC offers several types of rebates and incentives to members, depending on the type of home and the type of equipment being installed.
Please note: All homeowners and future homeowners receiving rebates from the electric cooperative agree to the future installation of an energy management switch on these rebated appliances to allow peak demand energy management procedures.
Water heaters
If you are ready for some big savings in water heating, upgrade your water heater to a heat pump (hybrid) water heater. Your annual cost for water heating will drop, and you could earn a $500 rebate. If you’re not ready to install a heat pump water heater, but you are ready to install a new electric water heater in a new construction, or to replace a gas water heater, Orange County REMC will provide a FREE 40- or 50-gallon water heater for you. You just have to pay sales tax.
HVAC equipment
Members who are ready to install a super efficient geothermal heat pump can earn up a $1,500 rebate. Rebates in various amounts are also available for members who install air-to-air heat pumps. The amount of the rebate depends on the type of equipment installed, and the installation specs.
Application forms and details for these programs are published at www.myremc.coop. Click on the “Member Services” link and then go to “Energy Saving Programs” link. Please read the specifications for each program carefully, as each incentive has conditions that must be met. These incentives are available for residential single family homes that are occupied 12 months out of the year. Heating/cooling incentives are limited to two per home.
Discount LED bulbs
Another program to help you save energy and money is our online LED bulb store. You can purchase LEDs at a great discount and get free shipping when you order at least six bulbs. These bulbs last much longer than incandescent bulbs or even CFLs, and as an added bonus, they use a fraction of the electricity. Look for the “Team Up Lighting Rebates” link at www.myremc.coop.
Appliance recycling
If you have an old refrigerator or freezer, it’s probably costing you more than you think. If your fridge was manufactured before 1980 and is between 19 and 21 cubic feet, you could save over $150 a year by upgrading it to an Energy Star fridge. And we will even pay you $50 for an old, secondary fridge in your garage or basement.
Contact our office at 812-865-2229 locally, or 888-337-5900 toll-free, and ask to speak to a member service representative about scheduling your appliance pick up.
We are proud to work with Habitat for Humanity in coordinating this program.
*To qualify, your appliance must be in working condition, and be between 10 and 30 cubic feet in size, using inside measurements. Members must own the unit(s) being recycled and limit is two units per residential address.
