Austin's Clean Energy Programs
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CLEAN ENERGY Austin Energy • (512) 482-5346 www.austinenergy.com Austin Energy is on track to get more than half of its electricity from renewable energy by 2025. Austin Energy is the City of Austin’s publicly owned • In 2016, Austin Energy set a utility record for local electric utility, serving more than 460,000 customer ac- solar rebates and incentives, issuing an estimated 976 counts and more than 1 million residents in the Central residential solar rebates and 63 performance-based Texas region. The utility’s mission — to safely deliver clean, incentives for commercial properties. affordable, reliable energy and excellent customer service — guides Austin Energy in powering the community and the region’s growth since 1895. • Since 2006, Austin Energy has been a national leader in promotion of electric vehicles. These vehicles limit oil imports and are more energy efficient than conven- Austin Energy is an industry-leading utility when it tional vehicles. By the end of 2016, there were more comes to clean energy. By producing and investing in wind than 5,000 plug-in electric vehicles and more than 500 and solar power, the utility maintains a generation portfolio EV charging ports in the Austin area. that is twice as renewable as the rest of Texas. Since 1982, it has been Austin Energy’s job to make clean • As set by the Austin City Council, Austin Energy has energy easily accessible to the community the utility serves. a goal of increasing renewable energy to meet 55% of This section will tell you how to participate in Austin customer load by 2025. As of 2016, the utility offset about Energy’s green programs. The utility’s commitment to its 31% of Austin Energy's consumption with renewable customers and the region is part of a tradition of service power from sources including wind and photovoltaics. that is more than a century old. With new solar energy contracts, Austin Energy is well positioned to meet the goals put forward by City Council. In This Section... • More than 10,000 homes and businesses regularly Residential Efficiency Programs .................................. 73 subscribe to the GreenChoice® rate, which means their Multifamily Rebates ....................................................... 77 use is offset with 100% renewable energy from wind. Commercial Efficiency Programs ................................ 78 All City of Austin offices, facilities and water plants Renewable Energy Programs ....................................... 81 also buy GreenChoice, making Austin the largest city in the country to achieve this benchmark. Solar Rebate Program .................................................... 83 Clean Energy – Introduction 72 RESIDENTIAL EFFICIENCY PROGRAMS Whole-House Measures Covered By Home Performance with ENERGY STAR Home Performance with ENERGY STAR® Home Performance with ENERGY STAR® empowers homeowners to benefit from upgrades to air conditioning equipment, home weatherization and air duct systems through a comprehensive, whole-home approach to energy efficiency in homes 10 years old or older. Austin Energy’s registered contractors perform a walk- through visual inspection of the home, and then create a custom proposal identifying specific, energy-saving Work with a participating contractor to start these upgrade opportunities. These contractors meet high important energy efficiency upgrades with a whole- standards as they enter the home with the expertise to house approach and receive corresponding rebates for make a difference, helping homeowners improve indoor the following*: air quality, increase comfort and reduce summer energy bills by as much as 20%. • Air conditioner/heat pump replacement • Duct system Austin Energy’s registered contractors follow special -- Sealing guidelines to perform whole-house upgrades, assisting -- Repair customers with the rebate and financing process, which -- Replacement can save an average of $1,800 in rebates per improvement • Home weatherization project. Austin Energy recommends that customers contact -- Weatherstripping and caulking (plumbing at least three registered contractors for price estimates to penetrations, windows, doors) begin the process. Austin Energy will perform a final in- -- Attic insulation spection on upgrades made to ensure quality completion. -- Window screens and film *All offers, available rebates and loans are subject to change. Take advantage of this whole-home energy efficiency Participants must be Austin Energy electric customers with a opportunity. For a list of registered contractors or for more single-family home, condominium, town home, duplex, triplex, information, visit austinenergy.com or call (512) 482-5346. fourplex, or rental property. Mobile homes and manufactured homes are not eligible. The Energy Conservation Audit and Disclosure Ordinance (ECAD) Like other energy ordinances throughout the nation and the world, ECAD helps promote energy efficiency and environmental responsibility by identifying energy savings Whether buying, selling opportunities for property owners. Improving energy ef- or renting a home or apart- ficiency can enhance indoor air quality and comfort while ment in the Austin area, increasing property marketability and saving money and you can benefit from the energy. Energy Conservation Audit and Disclosure ordinance. The ordinance requires en- To comply with the ordinance, property owners work ergy disclosures for homes with certified energy professionals to conduct the ECAD and buildings more than 10 audit, which requires specialized equipment and attention. years old that are served by The audit includes assessing the efficiency of air infiltration Austin Energy and located and ductwork, attic insulation, windows, weatherization, within the Austin city limits. heating and cooling. Home sellers pay for, receive and For homeowners, this City share audit details with potential buyers. of Austin ordinance simply indicates the responsibility Additionally, multifamily properties provide their of sellers to disclose energy energy audit results to current and prospective residents audit details, without requir- so renters can make the right decision about their home ing that improvements must be made. environment before signing a new lease or renewal. Rent- ers should always ask for the audit. (See p. 77 for more information.) Clean Energy – Residential 73 Totally Cool Heating & Air Conditioning a.k.a. City Conservation / Jay’s Air Conditioning High Efficiency Air Conditioning, Heating and Weatherization Service & Installation 512.467.2665 Saving the Planet Since 1982 allyearaustin.com Serving Austin, Round Rock, Cedar Park, Pflugerville Approved City of Austin Contractor Home Performance w/ Energy Star Program WE INSTALL MITSUBISHI ELECTRIC ZONED COMFORT SOLUTIONS™ • High Efficiency Units • Heat Pump Units • Certified Air Balancing • Weatherization • Free Energy Audits on Homes 10+ Years Old www.totallycoolac.com TACLB004442C / NCI0190613 We support Local Business • 30 to 130% more efficient than central air • Room-by-room temperature control • Whisper-quiet operation • Odor filtration • Allergen/anti-mold filtration 7.5x5-stans-ad.pdf 1 1/13/17 7:42 AM • No more too hot or cold rooms Charlie Ford, Owner • 512.467.2689 • Turn OFF unoccupied rooms C M Y CM MY CY CMY K For home buyers, the energy audit provides a helpful tool to clarify the full cost of a new home by anticipating any potentially hidden costs associated with ongoing maintenance and home energy use. For home sellers, an ECAD audit can disclose an array of energy efficiency home features that translate into a more distinct and attractive listing in the competitive real estate marketplace. Austin Energy offers customers rebate and loan options to make energy efficiency home improvement opportunities identified in the audit more affordable. Customers who participate in Home Performance with ENERGY STAR meet ECAD requirements for a period of 10 years, while enjoying up to 20% savings on summer energy bills as a result of this home energy upgrade. Austin Energy also offers an $85 incentive for enrolling in For more information about the Energy Conservation the Power Partner Thermostat Energy Recycling Program. Audit and Disclosure ordinance and related Austin Energy In exchange, customers agree to let Austin Energy briefly programs, go to austinenergy.com/go/ECAD or call (512) adjust the temperature setting on their thermostats when 482-5346. the demand for electricity is highest, like very hot summer afternoons, to prevent power outages. Internet-connected thermostats allow you to remotely access and control your thermostat using a smart phone, smart device or computer. You can also program and moni- tor your thermostats when you are away, while reducing energy waste and increasing the comfort of your home or business. To view program qualifications and a list of eligible thermostats and purchase locations, visit austinenergy. com/go/powerpartner. For more information, please call (512) 482-5346 or email powerpartnerthermostats@ austinenergy.com. Weatherization Assistance Program High-Efficiency Air Conditioner Rebates Austin Energy helps income-eligible homeowners and renters save energy and improve indoor comfort and air quality through the weatherization assistance program. Austin Energy customers are eligible for a rebate when Through this program, Austin Energy offers no-cost home they purchase qualifying high-efficiency central or window energy improvements to qualifying customers based on unit air conditioners. In all-electric homes,