Energy Incentive Programs, Utah
Updated November 2009
Below you will find questions and answers regarding Utah's utility energy efficiency programs, including options for load management, demand response, and distributed energy resources, and information about state-sponsored energy efficiency programs.
Utah utilities budgeted approximately $43 million in 2008 to promote energy efficiency in the state.
What public-purpose-funded energy efficiency programs are available in my state?
Utah has no public-purpose-funded energy efficiency programs.
What utility energy efficiency programs are available to me?
PacifiCorp/Rocky Mountain Power offers several energy efficiency programs for commercial, industrial, and irrigation customers:
The Utah Energy FinAnswer program provides cash incentives for energy efficiency retrofits, major renovation, and new construction projects equal to $0.12 per kWh of the projected annual savings plus $50 per average monthly on-peak kW savings. Incentives are capped at 50% of the project cost. The program also incorporates a variety of energy efficiency services, including facility energy analysis, detailed design assistance, competitive financing, commissioning, and post-installation savings verification. These services are tailored to the specific needs of the project.
The Utah FinAnswer Express program for retrofits and new construction/renovation provides pre-calculated rebates for energy-efficient lighting, HVAC, and motor retrofits. The incentives depend on the equipment installed and are capped at 50% of measure costs.
The Self Direction Credit Program provides incentives to large commercial and industrial customers who self-fund energy conservation projects at their facilities. Customers who engineer, implement, and commission qualifying projects may receive credits to offset the Customer Efficiency Service Charge on their bills.
Questar Gas sponsors the Thermwise Program, which provides rebates for efficient HVAC, water heating, food service, and laundry equipment as well as for high-efficiency windows and roof and wall insulation. Rebates vary depending on the type and capacity of the equipment.
What load management/demand response options are available to me?
PacifiCorp/Rocky Mountain Power sponsors several load management/demand response programs for Utah customers:
The Energy Exchange program is an Internet-based voluntary demand reduction program. Rocky Mountain Power posts a price for each hour load reductions are needed and customers may respond by pledging to curtail a specified amount of their load. Participants are paid the posted price per unit of measured energy reduction in each hour of the curtailment. Eligibility is limited to customers with at least 1 MW of connected load.
The Irrigation Load Control program offers financial incentives to irrigators who agree to curtail electricity use during certain periods. Irrigators choose which sites to enroll in the program and which load control option best suits their needs. Rocky Mountain Power installs an electric timer at participating sites. From June 1 through September 15, the timer interrupts power to the pump according to the pre-determined curtailment schedule. Participants are awarded a participation credit equal to $11.19 per kW per year.
What distributed energy resource options are available to me?
The Database of State Incentives for Renewable Energy (DSIRE) provides information on programs that offer incentives for renewable distributed generation. The following program may be of interest to Federal customers:
Rocky Mountain Power's Solar Incentive Program offers a $2 per watt (AC) rebate (up to $30,000) for photovoltaic systems of 25 kW and below installed in its territory. The program runs through December 31, 2011.
Are there energy efficiency programs sponsored by the state government?
Utah's state government does not currently offer any energy efficiency programs to Federal customers. For information on potential future opportunities, contact the Utah Office of Energy.
What additional opportunities are available to me?
Federal customers whose utilities have area-wide contracts through the General Services Administration (GSA) may be able to take advantage of third-party financed energy efficiency projects called utility energy service contracts (UESCs). Information is available through the GSA Energy Center of Expertise Library. Federal facilities should contact their account executive to determine the level of each utility's participation.
NOTE: Energy efficiency funds and demand response programs are updated at least annually. Please contact the FEMP webmaster if changes are needed between updates.