Energy Efficiency

Efficiency Consultation

Are you thinking about energy efficiency upgrades? Our energy consulting program can help! Advisors analyze your home, suggest upgrades to improve efficiency and comfort, then help you prioritize the order you complete projects. Advisors will also let you know what rebates and other savings may be available to offset the full cost of the project. To schedule a consultation with one of our energy efficiency advisors, call 509-786-2913 or email them at energyefficiency@bentonrea.org.

Residential Rebates

Clothes Washer $30-$35

Over time, using less energy and water can result in significant savings, especially if you do a lot of laundry. ENERGY STAR® certified clothes washers use 25% less energy than standard washers and 33% less water by extracting more water from clothes during the spin cycle. This reduces the drying time and saves energy and wear and tear on your clothes.

Benton REA offers members a $30 or $35 rebate depending on qualifying models.

Washer Rebate Application

Clothes Dryer $50

ENERGY STAR® dryers use 20% less energy than standard models with technologies such as moisture sensors thatautomatic shut off when clothes are dry. This reduces the drying time and saves energy and money. 

Benton REA offers members a $50 rebate on qualifying models.

Dryer Rebate Application

Smart Thermostat $140

A smart thermostat is a Wi-Fi enabled device that automatically adjusts heating and cooling temperature settings in your home for optimal performance. Benton REA offers members a $140 rebate on qualifying models.

Smart Thermostat rebate application

Hybrid/Heat Pump Electric Water Heater $700-$900

HPWHs are much more energy-efficient than traditional electric or gas water heaters. They work by transferring heat from the air (or ground, in some systems) to heat the water, rather than generating heat directly. This method can be up to 3 times more efficient than conventional electric water heaters. Benton REA offers members rebates from $700 - $900 depending on which qualifying model is purchased.

EV Charger $300

To help our members embrace the future of clean energy, we’re offering our members a rebate for the installation of a qualifying residential Level 2 (240-volt) charging station.

EV charger Rebate Application

Heat Pump $200-$1200

BentonREA's heat pump program offers members an incentive to upgrade their electric heating system.Rebates vary based on your current heat source and type of heat pump you will be upgraded to. We recommend calling our member services department at 509-786-2913 before purchasing or installing a heat pump to find out if you qualify for the program.

HVAC Rebate Application

Ductless Heat Pump $800

A Ductless Heat Pump System is a cost-effective and efficient heating and cooling system for smaller homes. It is ideal if you are currently heating your home with baseboard or wall heaters. You can switch to a much more efficient Ductless Heat Pump system, without having to install ductwork throughout your home. Because the Ductless Heat Pump both heats and cools, it also replaces the need for window air conditioners. Ductless heating and cooling systems give you more control over your home's heating and air conditioning, meaning you'll be comfortable all year long.

HVAC REBATE APPLICATION

Duct Testing & Sealing $200-$250

Duct sealing is well worth the investment and will improve the efficiency of your home. Home duct testing and sealing can be done anytime, not just at the time a system is installed. For more information about duct sealing and testing, please call our energy efficiency department at 509-781-6751. BentonREA offers members with a stick built home a rebate of $250 and members with a manufactured home a rebate of $200.

HVAC REBATE APPLICATION

Insulation: $.08-$2.00 per square foot

If you are thinking of adding insulation to a structure, please reach out for a pre-inspection by one of Benton REA's energy efficiency advisors.

To schedule, contact us at 509-786-2913 or energyefficiency@bentonrea.org.

An invoice must be included with the application.

insulation Rebate Application

Windows: $2-$8 per square foot &
Exterior Doors

Energy Efficient windows help maintain consistent indoor temperatures, reducing the amount of energy used for heating in the winter and cooling in the summer, leading to lower energy bills. Efficient windows also minimize drafts and hotspots that can occur with older windows which creates a more comfortable living space. Replace your old window sand glass doors with new energy efficient ones, and you could get a rebate of up to $8 per square foot from Benton REA.

Rebate Qualifications

Members must contact Benton REA prior to purchase and installation for a current list of qualified contractors and program requirements.

  • Old windows must be metal or wood frames (vinyl frame windows do not qualify)
  • Electricity must be the primary heating source of the home
  • An invoice must be included with the application. The invoice needs to include the purchase of the windows and/or the invoice for the installation. 
  • Qualifying windows include single pane, single pane with “storm windows”, double pane or triple-pane windows
  • Triple-pane windows may obtain a higher rebate
  • Qualifying Windows: NFRC U-Factor Rating of .22 or lower (weighted average)
  • Qualifying Windows: NFRC U-Factor Rating of .30 or lower (weighted average)
  • Qualifying Glass Doors: NFRC U-Factor Rating of .35 or lower (no weighted average)
Sample Window Rebate

4 ft. x 5 ft. single pane window replaced with .30 NFRU-Factor Rated window
4 ft. x 5 ft. window = 20 square feet
$6.00 x 20 = $120.00 rebate

An $8 per square foot rebate is available if you wish to install windows that have u-value of .22 or lower.

Members may also qualify for a federal tax credit.

Window Type
Rebate Amount
Windows with a u-value of .22 or lower
$8/square foot
Windows with a u-value of .30 or lower
$6/square foot
Sliding glass doors with a u-value of .35 or lower
$6/square foot
Energy Star Storm Windows
$2/square foot
Exterior Door replacement

Manufactured Homes $1200 or $1400

Efficiency rebates aren't just for stick-built homes. The Northwest Energy Efficient Manufactured Housing Program(NEEM)  sets the standard for highly efficient building specifications tailored for the Northwest climate. BentonREA members who purchase a NEEM certified manufactured home qualify for one of two rebates, depending upon efficiency level. To apply for this rebate, send a copy of your NEEM certificate to Benton REA within 90 days of the purchase date of your home. 

Low-Income Rebates

If you are interested in applying for a Low-Income Energy Efficiency Rebate, please call our Energy Efficiency Department at 509-786-2913.

Benton REA members whose household income is at or below 200% of the federal poverty guidelines may be eligible for assistance with paying for energy efficient home upgrades such as new:

  • Heat Pumps
  • Single Head Ductless Heat Pump
  • Heat Pump Water Heater
  • Duct Sealing
  • Insulation (including walls, floors and ceilings/attics)
  • Whole House Air Sealing
  • High Performance Storm Windows

Documentation of your current income is required to apply.

Preferred documents to disclose your Adjusted Gross Income are:

     
  • Most recent IRS Forms 1040, 1040 A or, 1040 EZ -- Include only the page which states the AGI, usually page one. To protect your identity, cover or cross out Social Security Numbers on the document before submitting.
  •  
  • Most recent Social Security Statement
  •  
  • Most recent L&I Disability or Pension Statement

Income-Qualified Application

Energy Efficient Landscaping

Keep cool in the summer and warm in the winter with trees.The proper location of a tree will improve your home's energy efficiency. The more summer shade that falls on sun-exposed windows, roofs and walls, the cooler the temperature will be inside the home.

Deciduous trees provide nice shade in the summer and then lose their leaves in the fall, allowing the winter sun to help warm buildings by reducing winter heating costs. Deciduous trees are recommended for the south and west side of your home.

Awnings are another great way to reduce the stress on your home's air conditioning system during the summer months.Shading air conditioning units can increase each unit's operating efficiency but landscaping should not obstruct air circulation around the unit.In the summer, this space helps prevent heat gain. Using trees as windbreaks on the north or windy side of your house also helps increase energy efficiency. Evergreen trees provide the best protection, although low branching deciduous trees help, too. By planning your landscape, you can achieve energy savings all year long.

To learn more about how landscaping can save energy, call 509-786-2913.

Electric Vehicles

Do you have an electric vehicle? Register it with Benton REA so we can track how many EV's we have charging on our system.

EV registration Incentive

Commercial, Industrial, and Agriculture

Benton REA has a strong history of working with its commercial, industrial and agricultural members to identify energy and cost savings. Benton REA's member services department will work with you on an individual basis, evaluating specific operations and needs to identify the best energy savings options.

If you are thinking about efficiency upgrades, please call our energy efficiency advisors at 509-786-2913 or email energyefficiency@bentonrea.org.

Commercial Rebates:

  • Retrofits and New Construction
  • Lighting Projects
  • Variable Speed Motors
  • Heating and Cooling Systems
  • Connected Thermostats
  • Variable Frequency Drives
  • Insulation
  • Windows
  • And more...

Ag Rebates

  • Variable Frequency Drives
  • Irrigation Pump Testing and System Analysis
  • Irrigation System Conversions
  • Irrigation Hardware
  • Sprinkler Package Replacements
  • Freeze-Resistant Stock Water Tanks/Fountains
  • Thermostatically Controlled Outlets
  • Thermostatically Controlled Stock Tanks
  • Transformer De-Energization
  • LED Lighting
  • Vacuum Milking Pumps
  • Efficient Pump Upgrades
  • Heat Recovery and Plate Coolers
  • And more...

If your energy-saving project isn’t on the list, it may qualify for a custom project rebate. Funds are limited. Contact us to inquire about availability. All rebates may change or be discontinued at any time.

Call 509-786-2913 if you would like more information about making your business more energy efficient and the potential cost savings.