Easy Upgrades Frequently Asked Questions
- Do I qualify for this program?
- Why is Idaho Power offering this incentive?
- How do I start the process?
- Does my project require pre-approval?
- How long do I have to complete my project?
- How can I learn more about my energy-saving opportunities?
- Are there any requirements for who performs my lighting retrofit?
- Can I assign my incentive payment to my contractor?
- What if my project scope changes between Pre-Approval Application and Payment Application?
- What means of disposal are required for old lamps and ballasts being removed from our facility as part of this process?
- What if my project involves building a new building or changing the use of an existing building?
- What if the upgrades I'm considering are not on the Easy Upgrades menu?
- Can I split a project between more than one Idaho Power incentive program?
- Will Idaho Power add incentives for new energy efficiency measures?
- Will my project receive a pre- or post-inspection as part of the program?
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 or 19 is eligible to participate. Residences, street lights and irrigation systems are not eligible.
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 energy efficiency 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. How do I start the process?
Work with your Idaho Power representative or an equipment supplier or contractor to submit an Easy Upgrades application and accompanying documentation. Find your Idaho Power customer representative or call 208-388-2323, or 1-800-488-6151 from outside the Treasure Valley. View steps to participate for Lighting and Non-Lighting projects.
4. Does my project require pre-approval?
If your project meets any of the following criteria, it must receive pre-approval from Idaho Power prior to equipment purchase and installation.
- Projects with incentives of $1,000 or more
- All Variable Frequency Drive (VFD) projects
- All non-standard lighting measures
5. How long do I have to complete my project?
You have 90 days from project completion or receiving pre-approval to complete your project and submit the payment application documentation. For larger or more complex projects extending beyond the 90 days, please notify Idaho Power to obtain an extension.
6. How can I learn more about my energy-saving opportunities?
Idaho Power offers Account Manager, an online resource with information on energy-saving opportunities. Complete a Business Energy Analysis and let Account Manager help you manage your usage, lower your bills and more. Requires log in to Account Manager to access these features.
You may also contact your Idaho Power customer representative or call 208-388-2323, or 1-800-488-6151 from outside the Treasure Valley.
7. Are there any requirements for who performs my lighting retrofit?
Yes. Lighting projects must be installed by a company with an electrical contractor’s license that's also properly licensed in the state where the work is performed. The person/s doing the actual retrofit work must also be properly licensed in the state where work is performed. The exception to this requirement is if installing screw-in or pin-based CFLs or LEDs.
Lighting projects also must adhere to state and local code requirements such as taking out an electrical permit and receiving an electrical inspection.
All electrical contractors and third-party incentive recipients must have a current signed Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) on file with Idaho Power.
8. Can I assign my incentive payment to my contractor?
Yes. The payment application includes a section that allows you to assign payment to your contractor. Please note: Idaho Power reserves the right to deny third party payment requests or request a joint check. In addition, Idaho Power will not provide any third party payments to waste transporters, disposal facilities or recycling facilities.
9. What if my project scope changes between Pre-Approval Application and Payment Application?
The program is designed to accommodate changes in the project's scope. If your project scope will change more than 10 percent, notification to Idaho Power is required. Resubmittal of the pre-approval application to reflect the change of scope may also be required. Upon notification of change in scope, we will review the scope change and you will be notified about the results (e.g., ok to proceed, or need to submit new application, etc.).
10. What means of disposal are required for old lamps and ballasts being removed from our facility as part of this process?
All projects must meet applicable codes, laws and regulations. Products containing 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.
11. What if my project involves building a new building or changing the use of an existing building?
For new construction or a change in use of an existing building, you’ll work with the Building Efficiency program. Some restrictions apply; contact Building Efficiency to learn more.
12. What if the upgrades I'm considering are not on the Easy Upgrades menu?
We offer the Custom Efficiency program for larger or more complex energy-saving projects. Please note that some restrictions apply for this program; contact Custom Efficiency to learn more.
13. 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. If you are applying for more than one program at the same time, please let us know so we can best coordinate processing your incentive applications.
14. Will Idaho Power add incentives for new energy efficiency measures?
We periodically assess our list of eligible energy efficiency measures. If you believe a new measure should be added, let us know and we'll consider it. Send suggestions to easyupgrades@idahopower.com.
15. Will my project receive a pre- or post-inspection as part of the program?
Maybe. Idaho Power randomly conducts pre- and post-inspections on Easy Upgrades projects.
