The Power Pulse – September 2024: Harnessing Opportunities for Energy Savings and Electrification

Dear Roanoke Cooperative Member-Owners,

As we continue our mission to provide reliable, affordable, and sustainable energy solutions, I am excited to share some upcoming opportunities that will benefit our member-owners. Our cooperative has been actively engaging with the North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality (NC DEQ) to explore how we can better support our community through their Home Managing Energy Savings (HOMES) and Home Electrification and Appliance Rebate (HEAR) programs. These initiatives align perfectly with our ongoing commitment to energy efficiency and beneficial electrification.

New Energy Savings Programs on the Horizon

The HOMES and HEAR programs are designed to help North Carolinians make energy-efficient upgrades to their homes and adopt electrification technologies that reduce their carbon footprint while saving money. We believe these programs will significantly enhance the energy efficiency of homes across our service area, providing long-term benefits to our member-owners.

Rebate Eligibility and Recommended Appliances

One important aspect I want to highlight is the eligibility for rebates under these programs. Based on our discussions and the information provided by the NC DEQ, these rebates will be available to eligible homeowners who make qualifying energy-efficient improvements or adopt new electric appliances. Some of the recommended appliances and upgrades that may qualify for these rebates include:

  • Heat pumps for space heating and cooling
  • Heat pump water heaters
  • Electric wiring upgrades
  • Insulation, air sealing, and ventilation improvements
  • Electric stoves
  • Heat pump clothes dryers

These upgrades are not only beneficial for reducing energy costs but also support a transition to more sustainable home energy use.

Complementing Our Existing Efforts

These new programs will complement much of the work we’ve already been doing through our Upgrade 2 $ave program, which offers energy efficiency financing to make home upgrades more accessible. We’ve always believed in the power of beneficial electrification, and now, with the support of HOMES and HEAR, we can further our efforts to help our community transition to cleaner, more efficient energy solutions.

Call to Action

I urge every member-owner to act today by signing up for updates on the HOMES and HEAR programs. This is an incredible opportunity to enhance your home's energy efficiency and join us in building a more sustainable future. You can sign up for email updates here.

Together, we can make a significant impact on our energy usage and help lead the charge toward a cleaner, greener tomorrow.

Stay tuned for more updates, and thank you for being a valued member of our cooperative community.

Sincerely,

 

Marshall Cherry
President and CEO