Iowa Energy Efficiency Programs



Have you ever considered:

  • Highly efficient natural gas equipment
  • Programmable "setback" thermostats that automatically adjust the temperature to suit your lifestyle
  • Additional energy-saving insulation
  • Following a prescribed furnace maintenance schedule

These and other measures can help to significantly lower your natural gas bill. At Black Hills Energy, we encourage customers to install high-efficiency natural gas systems and follow a thoughtful energy conservation plan. In fact, we even help with the initial expense toward long-term savings! Imagine that -- getting money for saving money.

Black Hills Energy provides financial incentives for use in updates or improvements to your home's energy systems.

Programs and further details

Owners and renters may apply. However, the rebate will be issued to the person invoiced for the equipment. Applications can be obtained from most dealers, or download and submit the form below.

Funding is limited and applications will be processed on a first-come, first-served basis. This program ends Dec. 31, 2012 or when funding is depleted.

Cut-Off Dates

Equipment Purchase & Installation January 1, 2012 - December 31, 2012

Black Hills Energy must receive application by January 31, 2013

We must receive applications for work done in 2011 by January 31, 2012

Call us toll-free at 888-567-0799 for additional information.

Or, view and print the:

High-Efficiency Washer & Dishwasher

Full-sized ENERGY STAR qualified clothes washers use less water per load to clean clothes. ENERGY STAR qualified dishwashers use at least 31 percent less energy than the federal minimum standard for energy consumption. Receive a rebate up to $120 from Black Hills Energy towards the purchase of these energy efficient appliances. Download the 2011 Appliance Rebate application form from above.

Clothes Washer and Dishwasher Rebates and Requirements

Minimum Efficiency Rebate
Clothes Washer - ENERGY STAR or qualified (MEF greater or equal to than 2.0 and WF less than or equal to 6.0)1 $100
Dishwasher - Standard ENERGY STAR or qualified (less than or equal to 295 kWh/yr and less than or equal to 4.25 gallons/cycle $20
1Applicant must be a current Iowa Black Hills Energy residential customer and have a natural gas water heater.

High-Efficiency Forced Air Furnaces or Boilers

Replace your furnace or boiler and save money! Inefficient furnaces waste the natural gas you pay for and cost more money in the long run. Replacing that gas-guzzler with a high efficiency natural gas furnace qualifies you for a rebate from Black Hills Energy. Natural gas furnaces must have a minimum AFUE1 of 92% to qualify and natural gas boilers a minimum of 85% AFUE.

Gas Furnace and Boiler Rebates and Requirements

Minimum Efficiency Rebate
Furnace - 92%-93.9% AFUE1 $250
Furnace - 94%-95.9% AFUE $325
Furnace - 96% or greater AFUE $400
Boiler - AFUE 85% - 89.9% $150
Boiler - AFUE 90% and above $400
Duct Repair/Sealing less than 6CFM25 per 100 sq/ft cond. space $200
Duct Insulation R-8 $150
1The Gas Appliance Manufacturers Association (GAMA) ratings will be used to determine the AFUE for heating systems.
AFUE: Annual Fuel Utilization Efficiency

Home Envelope Rebates

Weatherproofing your home can keep your energy and money from leaking out of your house and can qualify you for a rebate from Black Hills Energy.

You must first receive a Free Residential Energy Evaluation and have insulation and other envelope measures installed based on the recommendations from the evaluation.

You must submit an application and supporting receipt and any other documentation to Black Hills Energy to receive payment. The rebate is determined by the amount installed or square footage.

Measure Efficiency Rebate
Insulation (ceiling) R-38 or greater 70% of the Cost up to $750
Insulation (wall) R-11 or greater 70% of the Cost up to $750
Insulation (foundation) R-13 or greater 70% of the Cost up to $750
Infiltration control Weather-stripping, caulking, etc. 70% of the Cost up to $200
Doors R-5 to R10 $25/door
Doors R-11 or greater $50/door

Water Heater Rebates

Don't let your money go down the drain. Replacing your existing water heater with an energy efficient water heater can keep that from happening.

Size Rating Rebate
40 gal.or greater & less than or equal to 75,000 BTUH 0.67 to 0.79 EF $75
storage or condensing 0.80 EF or greater or 90% TE $300
tankless 0.82 EF or greater or 90% TE $300

Innovative Heating Technologies Rebates

Keep your home on the technological edge and Black Hills Energy will help you pay for it. The latest innovations in energy-efficiency are now available to you.

Description Rebate
Drain Water Heat Recovery $300
Multi-Zone Thermostats $300
Integrated Space & Water Heater 84% CAE or above $500

Thermostat & Furnace Maintenance Rebates

Did you know that for every degree you raise your cooling system or lower your heating system, you save 3% in energy costs?

Installing a setback thermostat and having your furnace professionally maintained can not only help you control energy costs, but it can also qualify you for a rebate from Black Hills Energy.

Measure Rebate
Setback Thermostat pre-programmed 5-1-1, 5-2 or 7- day (Self-Installed) up to $25
Setback Thermostat pre-programmed 5-1-1, 5-2 or 7- day (Professionally Installed) up to $50
Furnace/Boiler Maintenance1 up to $30
Combined Service (Furnace/Boiler Maintenance & Professionally Installed Setback Thermostat) invoices for both must be submitted at the same time up to $100

1 Your Prescription For Furnace/Boiler Efficiency. Have these services done by a qualified technician:

  1. Inspect fan blower and motor
  2. Inspect exposed vent pipe
  3. Test and adjust furnace input
  4. Test and inspect furnace controls
  5. Visually inspect heat exchanger
  6. Visually inspect exposed gas piping and fittings
  7. Clean and adjust burners and pilots as necessary
  8. Inspect and clean or change air filter as necessary
  9. Check thermostat operation and settings

Free Residential Energy Evaluation

You may be wasting some of your hard-earned money as energy slips silently out of your home. Invite one of our professional energy evaluators to your home and we'll provide you with information specific to your residence on how to reduce energy and save money. From low-cost ideas such as changing a furnace filter, to no-cost suggestions like changing an old habit, our energy evaluators provide free assessments to qualified customers. Both owners and renters may apply.

While on site, we'll check

  • Insulation levels
  • Air infiltration levels (Ever said, "Hey, we're not trying to heat the whole neighborhood!" Or maybe you heard it as a kid? Sources of energy loss aren't always as obvious as an open door or window.
  • Equipment and operating conditions
  • Behavioral factors that influence energy consumption

Our evaluators will install or show you how to install beneficial, low-cost measures -- at no cost to you! We'll also provide you with educational information on managing energy costs and refer you to any other Black Hills Energy rebate programs if indicated by the evaluation results (Residential Evaluation is mandatory to qualify for our Home Envelope Rebates).

Call us toll-free at 888-567-0799 to learn more. Or, submit the form below to request an Evaluation. Home energy evaluations are for customers who have not received a free energy evaluation in the last five years and for homes ten years or older. Funding is limited and evaluations will be processed on a first-come, first-served basis. This program ends December 31 each year, or when funding is depleted.



Submit the Form to Request Your Energy Evaluation

* Fields with asterisk are required

A representative will contact you within 10 days to schedule your energy evaluation.

Free home energy evaluations are for customers who have not had an evaluation in the last five years and have a home that is ten years or older. For commercial evaluations the business must be 25,000 sq ft or less. For Residential evaluations please fill in year home was built, for Commercial evaluations please fill in square footage.















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