This year, show some love to your home by tapping into CoMo's energy efficiency and rebate programs. Whether you’re planning upgrades or just want more control over your energy costs, the City of Columbia’s Columbia Power Partners initiative has a wide range of options for residents. Below is a comprehensive checklist of incentives and resources you can use to reduce energy waste, improve comfort, and lower utility bills.
Free and Foundational Tools
Free Residential Energy Assessment
Before spending on upgrades, consider scheduling a free energy assessment. City staff will evaluate your home’s energy and water use, inspect insulation and equipment, and provide tailored recommendations for savings. This is a good starting point to understand where your house may be losing energy.
Efficiency Upgrade Incentives
Home Performance Rebates and Loans
This is a comprehensive program that starts with a whole-home assessment by a certified contractor. After the evaluation, you can qualify for rebates on a range of energy improvements like air sealing, insulation, windows, and doors. The program also offers low-interest financing to help cover the cost of eligible upgrades.
Attic Plus Rebates
If your home’s attic insulation is below recommended levels, the Attic Plus program offers rebates of up to $500 for attic insulation and $300 for duct insulation to bring your home up to better R-value standards.
Air Conditioner and Heat Pump Rebates
Columbia Water & Light provides rebates when you install a qualifying efficient air conditioner or heat pump. Rebates range from approximately $800 to $1,200 depending on system efficiency, and there are also heat pump rate benefits that can reduce ongoing costs.
Efficient Electrification Rebates
If you’re replacing an old system with a qualifying heat pump or dual fuel system, additional rebates are available. These help lower the upfront cost of electrifying your home’s heating and cooling.
Smart Home and Water Heating
Residential Smart Thermostat Rebate
Upgrading to an ENERGY STAR-certified smart thermostat can earn you a rebate of up to $50. These devices help you manage heating and cooling more efficiently.
Residential Heat Pump Water Heater Rebate
Installing an ENERGY STAR-certified heat pump water heater qualifies for a $500 rebate or up to the full cost of installation, making this a solid option for improving efficiency on the water-heating side of your utility bill.
EV and Transportation Incentives
Electric Vehicle Charger Rebate
If you’re installing a Level 2 EV charger at your home, the City offers rebates up to 50% of the project cost (maximum $500). For new construction, there are rebates for installing a 240 V outlet to support future EV charging infrastructure.
Income-Qualifying and Assistance Programs
The City also offers programs to help households with financial need. These include utility assistance programs and options like the Window Air Conditioner Exchange and Enhanced Home Performance with ENERGY STAR, which lower barriers to efficiency improvements.
Roundup Checklist of Programs
Here’s a roundup of all of the programs and resources you can use:
These programs are generally offered on a first-come, first-served basis and subject to funding availability. For details and application forms, visit the Residential Programs and Tools page on the City of Columbia’s website.
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