Energy.gov

'' Note: The federal government has imposed and updated appliance efficiency standards through several legislative acts,* and now has standards in place or under development for 30 classes of products. In general, states which had set standards prior to federal action may enforce their own standards until the federal standards take effect. States that had not set standards prior to federal action must use the federal standards.

Avista Utilities offers numerous incentives to commercial and industrial customers to increase the energy efficiency of customer facilities or equipment. Incentive options are available for heating and cooling equipment, refrigeration, lighting, motors, variable frequency drives, appliances, personal computers, retro-commissioning, and other energy efficient measures. Below is a list of available programs. See the program web site above to view specific details and contact Avista in the early stages of project development.

Avista Utilities' Commercial Lighting Program provides incentives for lighting upgrades. New construction projects and proved energy saving lighting measures not listed on rebate form are evaluated on a site-specific basis. Incentive amounts vary; some common lighting upgrades eligible for incentives through the program include:
* T12 fluorescents to T8 fluorescents
* High bay HID lighting to T5 or T8 fluorescents
* High bay HID lighting to pulse-start metal halide lighting
* Incandescent to compact fluorescents or cold cathode fluorescents

Avista Utilities Home Improvement and New Home Construction programs offer a variety of incentives encouraging residential customers to save energy in their homes. The rebates listed apply to residential homeowners in Washington who heat homes primarily with Avista electricity or natural gas. Incentives vary depending on technology, and generally apply to both existing and new construction homes. Interested customers should review the website for more information including individual equipment requirements and to access application forms.

Avista Utilities offers incentives to customers who improve efficiency through food service equipment retrofits. A variety of cooking and refrigeration equipment are eligible for rebates through this targeted program. The utility will conduct an energy site-analysis of existing equipment and issue recommendations on how equipment may be upgraded to higher efficiency levels. All equipment efficiency and installation requirements must be met in order to participate in this program. See the program web site for more information regarding this program.

'''The Washington Utilities and Transportation Commission are currently reviewing the status of natural gas rebate programs. Changes to the program are expected on May 1, 2013. Contact Avista before making equipment purchases.'''

Bonneville Environmental Foundation's (BEF) Solar 4R Schools program began in 2002. This competitive grant program seeks to install small-scale photovoltaic systems at K-12 schools interested in increasing the visibility of renewable energy. Successful projects will include outreach and educational components to encourage community adoption and use of photovoltaics.