Find the straight skinny on geothermal standards

We’ve gotten a lot of questions about how to determine minimum efficiencies for our new geothermal rebate. So here are the answers (and of course you’re welcome to contact us if you need more information).

We use the minimum efficiency number—not the average or a partial load number. Therefore, a system needs to meet the following minimum standard:

  • Closed loop: ?17 EER and ?3.6 COP
  • Open loop: ?21.1 EER and 4.1 COP

That minimum must be verified by the AHRI certificate that you include with an application, and it applies across the board—to new construction projects or to systems that are replacing electric resistance, propane, natural gas, or fuel oil systems.

We do realize that a unit may be running on partial load most of the time, but that won’t get your customers a rebate. To qualify, the unit must meet the full load rating above.

The federal government agrees, by the way. Its 30% tax credit minimums are the same as ours.

Get in touch if you have more questions about the geothermal rebate.

Spend to $ave: Use your tax refund to help save even more

Spend to $ave: Use your tax refund to help save even more

This spring, the stress you encounter from filing your federal income taxes may be relieved by your tax refund — which may be a nice amount! Even if the amount is smaller than average, you can still use it to help lower your home’s energy use and cost.
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POWER MOVES at large: The Steuben County REMC annual meeting

Steuben County REMC annual meeting

We stopped by Steuben County REMC's annual meeting to take part in the festivities and find out what people know about POWER MOVES. (Turns out the answer is "a lot.") We also found some sassy pets, a giant inflatable man in uniform, and some really tasty chicken. Take a look.
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