DURANGO, Colo. – In an effort to advance Colorado’s New Energy Economy, La Plata Electric Association (LPEA) has been approved for a $25,000 matching grant as part of the Governor’s Energy Office (GEO) Residential Solar Program. Funds will provide rebates for those installing solar domestic hot water systems within LPEA’s service territory.

“LPEA is pleased to accept the GEO grant, and match it with $25,000 additional dollars to further installation of solar domestic hot water systems in Archuleta and La Plata counties,” said Mark Schwantes, LPEA director of corporate services, noting the rebates will be given for installation of new systems on homes, and is not retroactive. “The LPEA board of directors has reviewed and approved a policy for administration of the $50,000 rebate program at their July 16 board meeting.”

“The Solar Domestic Hot Water Rebate,” as it has been christened, will be a one-time rebate, and range between $1,500 and $3,000 depending on the size of the system. The rebate is designed to supplement an electric hot water system in customers’ permanent, year-round homes.

Equipment for the solar hot water system must be Solar Rating and Certification Corporation (SRCC) approved, and all proper permits and inspections must be provided to LPEA and documented with the rebate program. LPEA will also inspect the solar hot water system before issuing the rebate.

“Also, before applying for the rebate, we’re asking that homeowners perform a home energy audit and submit that with the rebate application,” said Schwantes. “We’ve found that once customers seal and weatherize their homes, their electricity consumption comes down. They then will be able to size their new solar systems accordingly, based on that lower average energy consumption.”

A 30-day notification period, beginning with release of this announcement (July 18, 2008) and subsequent publication or broadcast, will precede LPEA’s acceptance of rebate applications. Rebates will be available until the GEO matching funds are exhausted prior to the close of 2008.

The GEO received letters of interest from 39 eligible entities requesting matching support from the Residential Solar Program. Twenty-two of these were funded as Program Partners. The GEO is allocating nearly $550,000, and with the matching fund commitments of the Program Partners, the total program fund will exceed $1,076,000.

LPEA’s grant acceptance is in addition to a similar one approved by the GEO for 4CORE, the Four Corners Office for Resource Efficiency for residences with water heater heated with gas or propane. LPEA will work in cooperation with 4CORE to maximize the potential for homeowners in the region seeking to engage in solar installation.

LPEA, a Touchstone Energy Cooperative established in 1939, provides to its nearly 30,000 members with more than 40,000 meters, safe, reliable electricity at the lowest reasonable cost, while being environmentally responsible. For additional information, and to review the full Solar Domestic Hot Water Rebate policy, visit www.lpea.coop, or contact LPEA at 970.247.5786.

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