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?
- What is the maximum incentive available under Easy Upgrades?
- How can I learn more about my energy-saving opportunities?
- 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, ballasts, thermostats, motors and other equipment 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?
- Why are there requirements for using LED equipment?
- Will there be pre- or post-inspections required as part of the new program?
- Why is the use of the lighting tool a requirement for submitting lighting projects in 2011?
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 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. How do I start the process?
Work with your Idaho Power representative or an equipment supplier or contractor to submit an Easy Upgrades application. If your project requires pre-approval from Idaho Power complete the Pre-Approval Application; if not, complete the Payment Application. Find your Idaho Power customer representative or call 208-388-2323, or 1-800-488-6151 from outside the Treasure Valley.
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.
- 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. 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.
7. How can I learn more about my energy-saving opportunities?
Idaho Power offers Energy Tools, an online resource with information on energy-saving opportunities. Complete a Business Energy Analysis and let ENERGY Tools help you manage your usage, lower your bills and more. Requires log in to Account Manager.
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.
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, 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 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. Why are there requirements for using LED equipment?
While we are excited about the emerging use of LEDs (light emitting diodes) in many applications, there remains inconsistency in the market with regard to the level of product quality and performance. Until recently there were no industry standards or testing methods to hold manufacturers accountable for quality and performance. By requiring LED products to be tested to IESNA (Illuminating Engineering Society of North America) LM79 and LM80 standards, or to have an ENERGY STAR rating, ensures the product meets minimum performance standards.
16. Will there be pre- or post-inspections required as part of the new program?
Yes. Idaho Power will increase pre- and post-inspections on Easy Upgrades projects in 2011. While emphasis will be on projects with incentives of $1,000 or more, we also will randomly site inspect projects with lesser incentives.
17. Why is the use of the lighting tool a requirement for submitting lighting projects in 2011?
Use of the lighting tool streamlines the application process by having all the information necessary for project review available. It also automatically calculates incentives and yearly kWh savings. We have made every effort to make the tool simple and intuitive.
