In the April 2010 issue, I notified Members that residential energy consumption for the months of January and February was significantly higher than normal due to the colder temperatures experienced during these two months.  These colder temperatures resulted in heating degree days that were 28.3% and 18.5% higher respectively, resulting in higher than average energy consumption to heat homes and businesses.  As it turns out, the energy consumption for the month of June was also considerably higher than normal and the cooling degree days were the highest on record for the last 25 years and 24.4% higher than the five year average.  This means that June was significantly warmer than normal resulting in higher than normal energy consumption to cool homes and businesses.

As you can see, the weather has a significant impact on the amount of energy consumed to heat and cool our homes and businesses and 2010 has experienced some extremely cold and extremely hot weather leading to higher than normal energy consumption.  Although we can't control the weather, we can make some improvements that will lead to consuming energy more efficiently and ultimately save money by consuming less energy.

On May 10th, 2010, SouthEastern Illinois Electric Cooperative announced the HomE Energy Efficiency Program to help Members make improvements to their homes that will result in consuming energy more efficiently.  The Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (DCEO) granted Illinois Electric Cooperatives $1.5 million in American Recovery and Reinvestment Act funds for home energy efficiency improvements.  Your Cooperative received $109,000 of this grant to distribute to SouthEastern Illinois Electric Cooperative Members.

In order to qualify for this grant, the home must be served by the Cooperative and be the Member's primary residence.  The first step is to contact your Cooperative to arrange an energy assessment.  There will be a $25 fee for the assessment.  Once we have assessed your home we will provide you with a report on how you could improve your home's energy efficiency performance and comfort.  Based on these recommendations, you could be eligible for a rebate up to $1,500 per residence per member.  This grant will be distributed to qualified projects based upon a first come, first serve basis.  All heating-cooling system upgrades must meet federal Energy Star standards to be eligible.  Following are items eligible for the rebates and the amount:

According to DECO, Cooperative members who qualify for the Illinois Home Weatherization Assistance Program through the State of Illinois do NOT qualify for the HomE energy efficiency program as these members are eligible to receive up to $7,500 in funding for weatherization and energy efficiency improvements from the state.  The Weatherization Assistance Program reduces energy costs for low-income households by increasing the energy efficiency of their homes, while ensuring their health and safety.  In order to qualify for the Illinois Weatherization Assistance Program, the household income must be below 200 percent of the national poverty level which equates to an annual income of $44,100 for a family of four.

Members not eligible for the Illinois Weatherization Assistance Program can receive a tax credit for 30 percent of the cost (credit not to exceed $1,500) for qualified energy efficiency projects completed on existing homes in 2009 and 2010.  From replacing windows, doors and insulation to installing an energy-efficient heating and cooling system, there are many ways you can use the tax credit to offset some of the costs for efficiency upgrades.

A renewable energy tax credit also exists for members investing in geothermal heat pumps, solar water heaters and other green technologies.  The credit covers 30 percent of the cost for approved projects completed on any type of home between 2009 and 2016.  If you have ever thought about installing a geothermal heat pump, these tax credits provide a good opportunity to achieve higher efficiencies at a much reduced overall cost.  The ENERGY STAR website, www.energystar.gov (keyword: "Tax credits") provides a great overview of what qualifies for tax credits and includes guidance on how to apply for them.

See you next month and as always, "We'll keep the lights on for you."

Geothermal Heat Pumps	$1,500
Air-source Heat Pumps	$1,000
Central Air Conditioning	$350
Natural Gas or LP Furnace	$350
Heat Pump Water Heater	$250
Insulation/Air Sealing	30% of project costs, maximum $500