Energy-Efficiency Funds and Demand Response Programs, Nebraska
Updated June 2007
What public-purpose-funded energy efficiency programs are available in my state?
Nebraska has no public-purpose-funded energy efficiency programs.
What utility energy efficiency programs are available to me?
Through its Commercial Heat Pump Program, Omaha Public Power District offers rebates of $100/ton for installing ground- or water-source heat pumps. OPPD will conduct audits and energy analyses for evaluating various HVAC options, lighting upgrades/retrofits, and other end-uses.
Lincoln Electric System offers several no-fee services, including energy audits.
Nebraska Public Power District offers energy audits focused on lighting, HVAC, motors, and demand reduction at industrial and commercial facilities.
What load management/demand responses options are available to me?
Omaha Public Power District offers the Load Curtailment Agreement Program, which pays customers for agreeing to provide load curtailments and/or activate on-site generation for a limited number of times per year. Participating customers (who must have a peak load of at least 500 kW) receive both a guaranteed payment of $1.50 per month for each kW of on-site capacity, plus an energy payment of $0.15/kWh for actual generation during called events. Through its curtailment rate and riders, OPPD also offers energy credit to customers who voluntarily lower their energy use during peak load situations at OPPD's request.
The Nebraska Public Power District offers two curtailable riders, including a demand bidding option, for customers with a curtailable load greater than 50 kW . Two alternatives for the basic interruptible/curtailable program are available based on duration of the curtailment period. A monthly credit is applied to the curtailable load under each option.
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 Dollar and Energy Savings Loans program may be used to reduce the financing costs of renewables projects, though it has been utilized primarily for efficiency projects over its 15-year history (see below).
Are there energy efficiency programs sponsored by the state government?
The Nebraska Energy Office offers low-interest loans for energy efficiency improvements, including lighting and controls, HVAC equipment, water heating, building envelope, and air distribution measures, through the Dollar and Energy Savings Loans program.
What additional opportunities are available to me?
Federal customers also have energy efficiency opportunities available with utilities (such as Aquila, MidAmerican Energy, and OPPD) that have area-wide contracts with GSA and, by extension, all other federal agencies. Federal facilities should contact their account executive to determine the level of participation by their local utility.