Smart Savings Rebates

2011-2012 Energy STAR New Home Program

Objective
This program will educate and promote the Energy STAR home construction standard.

New Home Energy STAR DESIGNATION
The Energy STAR-certified contractor will complete a whole-house analysis ensuring quality work and energy efficiency criteria are met. This rater works closely with the builder to verify the required energy-saving equipment standards are met, to implement best-construction techniques, and to oversee administration of required on-site diagnostic testing/inspections. The rater also aids in documentation to assure the home is eligible to earn the Energy STAR certification. The home must meet the guidelines, making it 15-30% more efficient than standard homes.

Step 1: Builder chooses to partner with Energy STAR.
Through the partnership-agreement process, the builder selects a Home Energy Rater to work with to qualify his or her homes.

Step 2: Builder and rater select appropriate energy-efficient home features.
The builder submits the architectural plans to the Home Energy rater for review and analysis.

Step 3: Builder constructs home and rater verifies features and performance.
With the energy-efficient features selected, the builder then proceeds with construction of the home. Throughout the construction process, the rater performs a series of inspections and diagnostics to verify proper installation of the selected energy-efficient features and overall energy performance of the home.

Step 4: Rater qualifies the home and issues an Energy STAR Label.
Once the rater completes the final inspection and determines that all requirements have been met, the rater will provide the builder with an Energy STAR certification.

Step 5: Submit a copy of your Energy Star Certificate for the incentive.
The program will begin on October 15, 2011. The first 25 homes in Meade County RECC service territory constructed and certified Energy Star with a HERS index of 85 or lower will receive an incentive for $1,000. In addition if the home is heated and cooled with geothermal there is an additional $1,000 incentive. The Energy Star certificate must identify the new home address located in the Meade County RECC service area.  The incentive payment will be issued to the name identified on the Energy Star certificate.

• Achieve a HERS Index of 85 or below by using the Performance HERS Rating (See definition below.)
• Abide by measures outlined in a Prescriptive-Builder Option Path (BOP). This option allows the builder to follow a prescribed checklist to achieve the required efficiency.

Meade County RECC will pay the incentive only after the electric service is made permanent. Payment shall be made based on the name on the Energy STAR Certification. Any discrepancies in the above requirements shall be the responsibility of the homebuilder to settle prior to Meade County RECC's payment.