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Idaho Power - Energy Center - Energy Efficiency - Easy Upgrades Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Click for a printer-friendly version (PDF, 47KB) of the FAQs.
- Do I qualify for this program?
- What if I'm in Oregon?
- Why is Idaho Power offering this incentive?
- When did this program start and how long will it last?
- How do I start the process?
- Does my project require pre-approval?
- How long do I have to complete my project?
- What if I can't complete my project within 90 days?
- What if I am planning a new building?
- What if the upgrades I'm considering are not on the menu?
- What is the maximum incentive available under Easy Upgrades?
- How will the annual incentive cap be applied if I have multiple sites?
- How can I learn what my best energy-saving opportunities are?
- What kind of educational opportunities are there about saving energy in our facility?
- What does Idaho Power require to verify my project is installed?
- What if my energy-saving project was completed prior to Feb. 13, 2007?
- Can I assign my incentive payment to someone else?
- What if my project scope changes from pre-app to final 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?
- Can I submit multiple incentive applications?
- Is there a minimum incentive payment in this program?
- Can I split a project between more than one Idaho Power incentive programs?
- Will Idaho Power add incentives for new energy efficiency measures?
- Does Idaho Power offer incentive programs for other customer groups?
- How can I keep informed about Easy Upgrades program news?
This program is open to all existing commercial or industrial Idaho Power customers located in Idaho. Any facility with electrical service on Schedule 7, 9, 19, or a special contract is eligible to participate. Residences, street and area lights, and irrigation systems do not qualify.
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Oregon customers are eligible too. The Oregon Public Utility Commission approved the program for our commercial and industrial customers in Oregon as of May 9, 2007.
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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.
This program became effective in Idaho on Feb 13, 2007 and our Oregon customers were included effective May 9, 2007. Any project started prior to those dates is not eligible for an incentive under this program. 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 will run in its current configuration through Dec 15, 2008 unless otherwise notified.
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Work with your Idaho Power representative or an equipment supplier or contractor to submit an Easy Upgrades pre-application to start the process. After receipt of this form,
you will be provided with a project number that reserves
your incentive funds. If you do not know your Idaho Power
representative, call (208) 388-2323, or 1-800-488-6151
from outside the Treasure Valley.
For most projects, yes. Applications with a total incentive of $1,000 or less can be processed for payment without pre-approval.
After your pre-application is approved, you have 90 days to complete your project and submit your final documentation.
Just notify your Idaho Power representative or the program manager at easyupgrades@idahopower.com to request an extension.
Idaho Power also offers Building Efficiency, an incentive program specifically intended for construction projects – new buildings, additions and expansions, or major renovations.
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Idaho Power offers the Custom Efficiency incentive program for larger and more complex energy-saving projects.
Customers may receive up to $100,000 per year per single site as a maximum annual incentive payment.
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.
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.
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.
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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). Idaho Power may perform field inspections on some projects to verify installation.
Idaho Power cannot pay for projects that were initiated independent of this incentive. This program is not designed as a reward for past energy-saving projects. This program is designed as an incentive for future energy-saving projects, not likely to be completed – or completed as soon – without an additional incentive.
Yes. The final documentation form (PDF, 65KB) includes a section that allows you to assign payment to your equipment supplier, contractor, or any other third party.
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 pre-application.
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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.
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.
Currently there is no minimum project size or incentive payment to qualify for this program.
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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.
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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.
Yes, Idaho Power has a wide array of programs designed to help encourage our residential and irrigation customers to save energy, too. You can learn more about those programs at Idaho Power's Energy Center.
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, please contact us at easyupgrades@idahopower.com.
Click for a printer-friendly version (PDF, 47KB) of the FAQs.
Return to the Easy Upgrades program page.
Visit our energy efficiency links page for more information designed to help you and your business.