Xcel Energy Sweetens Rebate Programs for Minnesota Customers

If you’re a Minnesota customer of Xcel Energy, take note: The utility is handing out even bigger financial incentives for making energy-efficiency upgrades in 2010.

Xcel Energy, a large electric and gas utility serving Minnesota, just rolled out greatly enhanced rebate programs for the state's residential and business customers in 2010. For many types of energy-efficiency upgrades, Xcel Energy customers will be able to pocket a lot more money in 2010 compared with previous years. It’s also introducing rebates for certain types of upgrades that didn’t exist before, such as installing an exit sign illuminated by light-emitting crystals ("LEC").

At a training program for vendors last week, Xcel Energy representatives said that some of the rebates have more than doubled from 2009 levels. The reason for the bigger rebates, they explained, is that Xcel must meet new state-mandated energy-conservation goals in Minnesota requiring it to reduce its energy retail sales by 1.5% annually. (Read more about the Next Generation Energy Act.)

How much the Xcel Energy rebate increases for 2010 depends on the type of upgrade. Some upgrades, such as replacing standard incandescent exit signs with LED lights will climb to $25 per exit sign in 2010, from $6 per sign in 2009 – more than four times as much. Here’s a sampling of some of the rebate changes for common energy upgrades, according to rebate forms:

- Replacing an incandescent or T-12 lighting system with one- or two-lamp T-8 systems provides an $18 rebate per system in 2010, up from $8 in 2009.

- Installing a wall-mounted occupancy sensor for lighting provides a $25 rebate in 2010, compared with $12 in 2009.

- Purchasing a new non-condensing hot-water boiler with less than 10 million British thermal units per hour (BTUH) and a 92% efficiency rating provides a $800 rebate for every 1 million BTUH in 2010. That would have provided a $300 to $500 rebate per 1 million BTUH in 2009.

You can find information about Xcel Energy's rebates and conservation programs in Minnesota, along with rebate forms, here.

Keep in mind that 2010 rebates only pertain to upgrades invoiced after Dec. 31, 2009 – all upgrades made in calendar-year 2009 qualify for 2009 rebate amounts. Upgrades that are not offered rebates in 2010, but qualified in 2009, can be eligible for Xcel Energy rebates if they are invoiced by March 31, 2010.

Have questions about whether you qualify for a rebate or need help qualifying? Give Energy Smart a call at (651)292-4653 or e-mail us at info@mnenergysmart.com.