Click for a printer-friendly version (PDF) of the FAQs.

1. Do I qualify for this program?
2. Why is Idaho Power offering this incentive?
3. When did this program start and how long will it last?
4. What are the key changes for 2009?
5. How do I start the process?
6. Does my project require pre-approval?
7. How long do I have to complete my project?
8. What is the maximum incentive available under Easy Upgrades?
9. How will the annual incentive cap be applied if I have multiple sites?
10. How can I learn more about my energy-saving opportunities?
11. What kind of educational opportunities are there about saving energy in our facility?
12. What does Idaho Power require to verify my project is installed?
13. What if my energy-saving project was completed prior to Jan. 5, 2009?
14. Can I assign my incentive payment to someone else?
15. What if my project scope changes from the preliminary to the final application stage?
16. What means of disposal are required for old lamps, ballasts, thermostats, motors, and other equipment being removed from our facility as part of this process?
17. Can I submit multiple incentive applications?
18. Is there a minimum incentive payment in this program?
19. What if I am planning a new building?
20. What if the upgrades I'm considering are not on the menu?
21. Can I split a project between more than one Idaho Power incentive programs?
22. Will Idaho Power add incentives for new energy efficiency measures?
23. Does Idaho Power offer incentive programs for other customer groups?
24. How can I keep informed about Easy Upgrades program news?

1. Do I qualify for this program?

This program is open to all existing commercial or industrial Idaho Power customers.
Any facility with electrical service on Schedule 7, 9, 19, or a special contract in Idaho or Oregon is eligible to participate. Residences, street and area lights and irrigation systems do not qualify.

2. Why is Idaho Power offering this incentive?

We are committed to offering services and information to our customers to help them use energy wisely. Efficiency programs like this help defer the need to build new power plants and to prevent the company from acquiring power from more expensive sources to meet growing customer demand. Successful conservation programs can delay the construction of new power plants and reduce the company's generation costs during times of peak use, which may slow the increase in customer rates.

3. When did this program start and how long will it last?

This program was introduced in early 2007. The program is an important component of Idaho Power's long range Energy Plan and we anticipate it will continue with adjustments every couple of years. The program was modified for 2009. Those changes took effect January 5, 2009 and will be in place for the next year or two.

4. What are the key changes for 2009?

Based on experience during the first two years of the program, some modifications were made. Those changes took effect January 5, 2009. The changes include new eligible measures, adjusted incentive levels and some improvements to the forms. To learn more about these changes, view the What’s New for 2009 brochure.

5. How do I start the process?

Work with your Idaho Power representative or an equipment supplier or contractor to submit an Easy Upgrades Application (PDF) form to start the process. After receipt of this form, you will be provided with a project number that reserves your incentive funds. Find your Idaho Power representative or call 208-388-2323, or 1-800-488-6151 from outside the Treasure Valley.

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6. Does my project require pre-approval?

For most projects, yes. Applications with a total incentive of $1,000 or less can be processed for payment without pre-approval.

7. How long do I have to complete my project?

After your project is approved, you have 90 days to complete your project and submit your final documentation. If necessary for larger and more complex projects, we can issue an extension. Just notify your Idaho Power representative or the program manager at easyupgrades@idahopower.com to make that request.

8. What is the maximum incentive available under Easy Upgrades?

Customers may receive up to $100,000 per year per single site as a maximum annual incentive payment. Where multiple projects are implemented, the annual payment for any single site is $100,000 per year.

9. How will the annual incentive cap be applied if I have multiple sites?

For our customers with multiple facilities at different locations, the $100,000 cap is site-specific. It is possible to earn more than $100,000 per year for activities that impact multiple sites.

10. How can I learn more about my energy-saving opportunities?

Idaho Power offers Energy Tools, an online resource with information on energy-saving opportunities. As a starting point, you can learn more at the ENERGYsmart Library. For more personal assistance, contact your Idaho Power customer representative or call 208-388-2323, or 1-800-488-6151 from outside the Treasure Valley.

11. What kind of educational opportunities are there about saving energy in our facility?

Idaho Power works with a number of local and regional energy efficiency and design organizations to help sponsor appropriate training and educational events. More details on the resources available can be found online at our Energy Efficiency Links page.

12. What does Idaho Power require to verify my project is installed?

The final documentation will need to be submitted with both proof of purchase (paid invoices, purchase receipts, or work orders) and proof of performance (product specification sheets or other materials showing the minimum criteria was met for incentive payment). We may perform field inspections on some projects to verify installation.

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13. What if my energy-saving project was completed prior to Jan. 5, 2009?

No matter when the pre-app was filed, we will provide incentive payments at the 2009 level if that's when the final application is submitted. For projects that don't require a pre-app there is a time limit. Idaho Power cannot pay for projects that were initiated more than six months prior to the application submittal date. This program is intended as an incentive for current activities not as a reward for past projects.

14. Can I assign my incentive payment to someone else?

Yes. The Application (PDF) form includes a section that allows you to assign payment to your equipment supplier, contractor, or any other third party. There is one limitation; we will not provide any third party payments to waste transporters, disposal facilities or recycling facilities.

15. What if my project scope changes from the preliminary to the final application stage?

The program is designed to accommodate changes in the project's scope. When completing the final documentation, remember to note where changes have occurred from what was submitted on your original application.

16. What means of disposal are required for old lamps, ballasts, thermostats, motors, and other equipment being removed from our facility as part of this process?

All projects must meet applicable codes, laws, and regulations. Products that contain hazardous materials such as mercury, PCBs, and other items must be recycled or disposed of properly. Contact your contractor, a waste handling professional, or the Idaho Department of Environmental Quality for additional details on proper waste disposal and recycling options. If your project is in Oregon, contact the Oregon Department of Energy.

17. Can I submit multiple incentive applications?

Yes. While a comprehensive, facility-wide energy-system upgrade is the most effective way to cut your energy costs, we recognize that that is not always possible. Multiple applications for different projects may be submitted at any time. The only limit is that no single site can receive incentive payments totaling more than $100,000 in a single calendar year.

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18. Is there a minimum incentive payment in this program?

Currently there is no minimum project size or incentive payment to qualify for this program.

19. What if I am planning a new building?

We also offer Building Efficiency, an incentive program specifically intended for construction projects – new buildings, additions and expansions, or major renovations.

20. What if the upgrades I'm considering are not on the menu?

We offer the Custom Efficiency incentive program for larger and more complex energy-saving projects. Please note that some restrictions apply for this program.

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21. Can I split a project between more than one Idaho Power incentive program?

Yes, but you cannot earn two different incentives for the same energy efficiency project. For example, a lighting system retrofit may work well under Easy Upgrades while a control system improvement fits better into Custom Efficiency. If so, that's acceptable. If you are applying for more than one program at the same time, please let us know so we can best coordinate the processing of your incentive applications.

22. Will Idaho Power add incentives for new energy efficiency measures?

We will continually assess our list of eligible energy efficiency measures. If you believe a new measure should be added, let us know and we will consider it. Send your suggestion to easyupgrades@idahopower.com.

23. Does Idaho Power offer incentive programs for other customer groups?

Yes, Idaho Power has a wide array of programs designed to help encourage our residential and irrigation customers to save energy, too. Learn more about energy efficiency in your home or for your agricultural irrigation system.

24. How can I keep informed about Easy Upgrades program news?

You can sign up to receive regular e-mail updates on Easy Upgrades by sending an e-mail asking to be added to the e-mail list. Your address will only be used by Idaho Power and not shared with any other organization. To be added to the e-mail list, you can sign up at Periodic Program Updates or send an e-mail to easyupgrades@idahopower.com.

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