Read over the eligible measures for the project in which you want to use the program. It is important that these measures are adhered to; by not doing so can result in funding not being issued. Prior to filling out an application, the customer needs to make sure they qualify for the program.
The customer needs to be either in “Good” or “Excellent” standing with Lakeland Electric. They must be a customer with us for a minimum of one Year. The upgrades need to be to their primary residence. Customers can call customer service to determine what standing they are with Lakeland Electric. 863-834-1245.
The funding for the REEnergize Lakeland Program is first-come, first-served.
To secure a funding position with the no-interest loan program we will need to receive (3) things:
- Customers completed application
- Approved Contractors application
- A photo of the equipment to be replaced
- The customer needs to fill out an application (Available under the customers tab). Scan it, and e-mail it to Marilyn.Chaparro@lakelandelectric.com
- The customer will pick a contractor off of our approved contractor list; for their intended project. We suggest at least 3 bids, but that is up to the customer.
- The Contractor will also need to fill out an application. (Available under the contractors tab) They can scan it and e-mail it back to Marilyn.Chaparro@lakelandelectric.com
- A photo of the existing equipment is required. Either the customer, or the contractor can take the photo and e-mail it to Marilyn.Chaparro@lakelandelectric.com. DO NOT BEGIN YOUR PROJECT UNTIL AFTER YOU SIGN THE DOCUMENTS.
- Once all the paper work and the photo have been submitted to the REEnergize Loan department, the paperwork package is then sent to our attorney’s office for further processing.
- Once the attorney’s office has completed the paperwork an appointment is set-up for a signing.
- Once the documents are signed , the customer can contact their contractor and have them begin the work.
- Once the work is completed, the customer will re-contact the REEnergize Loan Department, and an appointment will be set-up for a post-inspection and funding will be issued. The check is made out to the homeowner, not the contractor.
- The installments for the payback are $100 dollars a month. There is a lien placed on the property until the loan is satisfied.
- There is also a one-time filing fee that will be assessed to your utility bill, depending on the length of the closing documents.
Typically, for a $5,000 dollar loan it has been about $90.50.
- Please make note of the following: In the event of the sale, conveyance, assignment or transfer of the property encumbered by this mortgage in any manner, the entire remaining balance shall be immediately due and payable without notice.
Print Project Steps
The following eligibility requirements must be met by Customers who wish to participate in the REEnergize Lakeland Finance Program. Please review all information contained in the Program Application prior to submission. A non-refundable recording arend release fee will be assessed on your Lakeland Electric bill upon completion of project. The total amount of the recording and release fee will range from approximately $63.00 to $100.00, which varies depending on the length of the executed documents.
Customer Eligibility
At the time of application, Customer must:
- Been a Lakeland Electric customer for at least one year
- Hold either a Good or Excellent credit rating with Lakeland Electric. You can obtain your credit rating by contacting Customer Service at (863) 834-9535.
Customers must be both:
- The property owner of record as listed by the Polk County Property Appraiser of the property to be upgraded
- A full-time resident of the property to be upgraded
- Customers must grant the City of Lakeland a lien on the property to be upgraded until the loan is paid in full.
Customers agree to pay the recording and release fee, to be assessed on their Lakeland Electric utility bill at the completion of the project.
Energy Efficiency Measures (Replacement and upgrades only)
- Windows that are NFRC labeled, with a U factor .30 or below and a Solar Heat Gain Coefficient of .27 or below (All windows must be upgraded at the same time)
- HVAC: 16 SEER-rated or better with air-source Heat Pump
- Hybrid-electric (heat pump) water heaters
- Air Sealing and Insulation
ENERGY STAR certification not required, provided that:
- Air sealing of the home and ducts is performed, and
- Attic/Ceiling insulation installed achieves R-30 or better, and
- If the home is a wood-framed house, Wall insulation that achieves R-13 equivalent or better, and
- If the home is a mobile home or has a crawl space, floor insulation that achieves R-11 equivalent or better.
Renewable Energy Measures, limited to:
- Solar PV: (For RESNETS HERS homes rated 80 or below only). This rating must be performed by a RESENT qualified rater, and must be paid for by Customer.
- Geothermal heat pumps
- Solar water heater systems
Loan Program Eligibility, Guidelines, Applicant Certifications and Releases Customer Eligibility
At the time of application, Customers must
- Have been a Lakeland Electric customer for at least one year and
- Hold either a Good or Excellent credit rating with Lakeland Electric.
You can obtain your credit rating by contacting Customer Service at (863) 834-9535.
Customers must be both
- The property owner of record as listed by the Polk County Property Appraiser of the property to be upgraded,
- A full-time resident of the property to be upgraded.
Customers must grant the City of Lakeland a lien on the property to be upgraded until the loan is paid in full.
Upon completion of the approved project, a recording fee, and the beginning of you loan payments will be assessed on your monthly Lakeland Electric Utility Bill.
Loan Funds
- Must be completely used for an Eligible Upgrade as specifically listed below.
- May not exceed the total cost of the project:
- Any direct financial incentives or rebates must be deducted from the total cost of the project and are ineligible for financing, excluding non-refundable tax credits.
- May only be used for measures that meet all state or local building code requirements, and have all appropriate labeling required (such as NFPA for fire protection, ASME for pressure vessels, OMNI for fireplace inserts, etc.).
Customer understands, agrees, certifies, and consents:
- That all information contained in this Application is true and accurate.
- That loan funds will be provided on a first-come basis to eligible Customers. In the event Customer demand for loans exceeds funding availability, Customer understands that priority will be given to customers whose average monthly energy consumption for the past year exceeds 1,500 kWh.
To meet all program Timelines. Customers MUST:
- Submit a project proposal by a qualified contractor to Lakeland Electric within one (1) week of submitting your Program Application, but ideally with your program application (for the Contractor Direct-Install Option)
- Be available to meet with the City Attorney’s Office to sign Loan Documents within one (1) week of submitting your project proposal
- Have work completed, notify the Energy Efficiency Programs Coordinator, and be available for a post-installation inspection within two (2) weeks of signing your Loan Documents
- That Customer will hold the City of Lakeland, Lakeland Electric, its agents, invitees, contractors and employees harmless from all suits, actions, claims, demands, damages, losses and other reasonable expenses, including attorney’s fees to which it may be subjected to in the event of any of the following: (i) if Customer’s energy consumption and/or energy bill is not reduced by the anticipated amount or experiences an increase; (ii) negligence of work completed by a contractor; (iii) inability to repay any financing, including to a third party lender; (iv) failure to take advantage of all credits, rebates, or other incentives; (v) any project costs that exceed the total amount of the loan available from Lakeland Electric; (vi) any negligence of the Customer, its agents, guests, invitees or contractors arising from and/or in connection with this Program.
- To monthly repayment of the zero-interest loan offered by Lakeland Electric as a line-item on Customer’s Lakeland Electric bill in the amount of $100 per month. In the event any payments received by Customer are insufficient to cover the total amount owed on Customer’s monthly utility bill, funds will be applied to utility expenses first and any remaining funds will be applied to the amount owed pursuant to Program participation. Such deficiency in payment shall be considered a default in accordance with the terms/conditions provided in the Installment Promissory Note executed by the Customer.
- In the event Customer moves prior to repayment of the loan in full to Lakeland Electric, any unpaid balance still due and owing on the account will accelerate and become due and owing in full at that time.
- In the event of default, any third party lender, City of Lakeland, or Lakeland Electric will have the right to pursue collection efforts and pursue any remedy available at law against Customer for any unpaid balance, costs and attorney fees, notwithstanding the fact that any such loss may have been covered by a loss reserve.
- To the release of records related to Customer’s actual energy consumption for the three (3) year period prior to installation and the three (3) year post-installation period to appropriate funding agencies to verify the efficiency of the measures installed.
- That the terms, conditions, certifications and releases contained in this Application are incorporated by reference into any final loan agreement between the Customer and Lakeland Electric.
Lakeland Electric does not recommend or endorse specific Contractors for this Program. In order to participate in the Program Contactors must be properly licensed, certified, and insured by the State of Florida and/or registered in Polk County for the type of work they perform and also be properly licensed to conduct business in the City of Lakeland when doing so within the City limits. In addition, Contractors agree to provide accurate certifications of equipment being replaced and the number of hours it takes to complete a job. Contractors are required to submit an application and supporting documentation to the City in order to be placed on the Contractor approved list for this Program. Once Contractors have been approved they will be placed on the Program’s approved Contractors list from which Customers can select from.
We strongly urge our customers to review the information from Energy Star on selecting a home improvement contractor, and the information from the Florida Bar Association on home improvement contractors.
HVAC
Ace Air Conditioning & Electric
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(863) 688-2283
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ACS Air-conditioning and Heating
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(863) 640-1897
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Acu-Temp
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(863) 682-3803
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Action Heating and Cooling Inc.
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(863) 701-7777
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Advanced A/C & Refrigeration
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(863) 619-5688
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Affordable AC & Heating LLC
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(863) 860-7633
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Air Assault Air Conditioning & Heating Inc
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(863) 284-2690
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Alexander AC & Heating
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(863) 667-2299
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| Anchored Air-conditioning and Heating |
(863) 618-5355 |
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Caudill’s Heating & AC
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(863) 859-2933
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Citrus Air Conditioners, Inc
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(863) 648-0637
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Clarke’s Custom Air
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(863) 667-1958
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Classic AC of Lakeland
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(863) 646-8281
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Creel Air Conditioning
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(863) 646-5920
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Currents and Cooling Inc.
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(863) 409-7155
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Duvall Heating and Air Conditioning
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(813) 695-2141
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East Polk LLC
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(863) 665-2750 |
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Easy AC
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(813) 635-0440 |
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Eichenberger & Sons
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(863) 646 8325 |
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Elite Cooling & Heating
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(863) 858-6602
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Fischer Air Conditioning & Heating Inc.
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(863) 646-9282
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| Freedom Air Conditioning, Inc. |
(863) 229-7058 |
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| Garden Grove Heating & Cooling LLC |
(863) 956-7277 |
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| HRI - Home Rehabilitators Inc. |
(239) 249-0023 |
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JD Greenhaulgh
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(863) 858-5070
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| J. Molnar |
(863) 899-2115
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| Johnson’s Mechanical Inc. |
(863) 688-8834 |
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| Marshalls LLC |
(863) 581-0984 |
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| McKinney Air Conditioning & Heating Inc |
(863) 859-2837 |
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| Mr. Kool Man Air Conditioning |
(863) 450-4490 |
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Payne AC & Heating, Inc.
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(863) 686-6163
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Randolph’s AC & Heating
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(863) 682-7499 |
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Rideout & Sons
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(863) 644-8852
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| Roth Air-Conditioning |
(863) 808-7877 |
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| Ryals Brothers Inc |
(863) 665-8231 |
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| Snowbird Heating and Cooling, Inc. |
(863) 551-3411 |
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| Springer Brothers AC & Heating |
(863) 967-0449 |
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| Super Heat and Air |
(813) 609-5015 |
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| Teddy's Air-Conditioning |
(863) 206-5554 |
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| The Lakeland Air Conditioning Company |
(863) 859-4090 |
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| Top Notch Air Conditioning & Heating Inc. |
(863) 875-5500 |
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Tropic Air Inc
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(863) 965-0386
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| Wards Heating and Air Conditioning |
(863) 646-0020 |
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Insulation
| 31 W Insulation |
(813) 621-9632 |
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Aartic Insulation
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(863) 644-7283
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AEA (Alternative Energy Applications)
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(813) 685-4999
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Chillerz Sprayfoam LLC
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(941) 243-8000
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Combee Insulation Co. Inc.
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(863) 682-5783
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Daniel Insulation
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(727) 572-8990
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Tropic Air Inc.
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(863) 965-0386
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Polk County Insulation
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(863) 967- 4272
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Southeast Waterproofing & Coatings, LLC
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(407) 529-8727
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Insulation, Windows, Doors
| Florida Remodeling & Designs, Inc. |
(863) 646-2000 |
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Polk County Windows & Doors LLC
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(863) 279-7267
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White Aluminum & Windows
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(863) 397-5405
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Solar and Solar Hot Water
| American Solar Energy |
(863) 859-7800 |
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Solar Source
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(800) 329-1301
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Windows
| Conner Aluminum |
(863) 647-1561
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Duggan Construction & Development
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(863) 698-6512
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Ferguson Construction and Aluminum
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(863) 698-1139
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Florida Lifetime Impact
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(813) 443-5810
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Jack Hall’s Construction & Aluminum
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(863) 667-0068
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Johnson Aluminum Construction
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(863) 967-6523
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Polk County Windows & Doors LLC
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(863) 279-7267 |
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Superior Aluminum Installations
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(407) 678-0500 |
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Window World of Polk County
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(863) 665-7164 |
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What is REEnergize Lakeland Finance?
REEnergize Lakeland Finance is the financing component of the City of Lakeland’s broader sustainability initiative, REEnergize Lakeland. It is managed by Lakeland Electric (LE) to provide financing to eligible customers for qualified energy improvements to their homes.
What does REEnergize Lakeland stand for?
REEnergize Lakeland stands for the proposition that the city and its residents can adopt practices and technologies that improve their quality of life while reducing costs and energy consumption. REE stands for Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency. The program, operated by Lakeland Electric, will be rolling out additional initiatives over the next year with the objective of achieving this goal.
Where does the money come from for this? Am I paying for this in my electric bill?
No. The funding for this program was provided to the city from the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act, commonly referred to as the Stimulus bill. The City of Lakeland was awarded a $965,100 grant under the Energy Efficiency and Conservation Block Grant program to reduce energy consumption city-wide. Lakeland’s strategy includes funding for the establishment of a Sustainability Office and the financing program for residential customers.
Who is an eligible customer?
Because this is a new program, we are taking a conservative approach to eligibility. Current eligibility guidelines require a customer to: 1) have been a customer with Lakeland Electric for at least 12 months prior to applying, 2) have the highest credit rating with Lakeland Electric, and 3) be willing to grant a lien on his/her property until paid in full. Additional factors will be taken into consideration in order to qualify for the private sector financing option, such as FICO score, debt-to-income ratio, etc.
What are Qualified Energy Improvements?
Qualified Energy Improvements are defined as either the installation of energy efficiency measures or renewable energy generation systems such as Solar PV panels. Every participating customer will have two options: to install an energy efficiency or solar system from a prescribed list of upgrades, or to have a whole home energy assessment conducted and to install measures identified as having a reasonable rate of return based on the anticipated energy savings. While LE employees will conduct the energy assessments, it is important to note that LE does not guarantee any specific energy savings due to other variables, such as a change in consumption patterns.
How much will this cost me?
The cost of the measures can range anywhere from a few hundred dollars up to approximately $25,000 to $30,000 for whole home improvements and the installation of Solar generation technology. In addition to the zero interest loan offered by LE, there are a variety of other financial incentives available for these types of expenditures. For a complete list of federal incentives, please refer to the Energy Star website at http://www.energystar.gov/index.cfm?c=tax_credits.tx_index or the Database of State Renewable Energy Incentives (www.dsire.org)
How do I go about taking advantage of the program?
Simply contact the Energy Efficiency Programs Coordinator at (863) 834-1245 or visit the Customer Application section to obtain a program application. You have the choice of selecting certain measures to install from a prescribed list, or you can have an energy assessment of your home conducted to identify the most cost-effective measures to install based on the specific characteristics of your house. Simply identify what you want to have done based on the top three recommendations from the energy auditor, obtain a project estimate from a licensed contractor, and submit the application.
What contractors qualify for this program?
All contractors are eligible to participate in the REEnergize Lakeland Finance program, provided that: 1) they are properly licensed, insured, and/or registered to perform the type of work they are seeking reimbursement, 2) are willing to provide accurate information to Lakeland Electric regarding equipment being replaced and how long it takes to complete jobs, 3) are properly licensed to conduct business in the City of Lakeland, and 4) and complete a program application.
If I install a 4kW solar PV system, how much will that reduce my bill every month?
The typical home in the Lakeland Electric service territory uses about 1,300 kWh (kilowatt hours) per month. A 4kW Solar PV system will generate an average of 486 kWh per month. Thus your home energy bill should be reduced by approximately 37% monthly provided that your energy consumption does not increase due to new appliances (such as LCD or plasma televisions, etc.), more people living in your home, or other factors not directly related to the efficiency of your home. Note that this amount will vary depending on your actual energy consumption.
Can I just install the upgrades I want?
Lakeland Electric has developed a list of eligible measures that qualify for financing under the program. This list was developed to ensure a high-level of efficiency is achieved from the expenditure of the funds. For most of the measures, you can obtain a project proposal directly from a contractor for any one or more of the measures based on the characteristics of your specific home. However, for the installation of Solar Photovoltaic Technology, you must first bring your home to a RESNET HERS rating of 80 or below. For more information on this rating system and to find a qualified HERS rater, please review the RESNET website.
How much can I save by implementing Energy Efficiency improvements in my house?
With relatively inexpensive energy efficiency improvements, it is reasonable to assume that you can decrease your energy consumption by 10-15% monthly, while deeper retrofits and renewable energy technology can achieve up to a 30-40% reduction. It is important to note that your energy consumption is largely driven by your personal habits, so you must consciously act to take advantage of certain upgrades such as programmable thermostats.
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