This year got off to a particularly cold start, and that might have you thinking about projects that will shield you from high energy bills the next time around.
Whether you plan to upgrade your home or rental property, the process can be confusing and even a little intimidating. But Clark Public Utilities is here to help customers identify their unique needs, select the contractors who can get the job done and help customers determine if they qualify for current rebates or incentives.
Contractors who perform work eligible for the utility’s energy efficiency incentive programs have to apply to be on the utility’s contractor network. To be accepted, a contractor has to maintain all necessary licenses, bonds, insurance and whatever professional certifications they may need. On top of that, the utility educates them about relevant conservation programs and related incentives the utility offers each year.
“We have high standards for the contractors we allow into our network,” said DuWayne Dunham, energy services supervisor at Clark Public Utilities. “They’re going to be out representing our utility. So not only do they need to be fully qualified, but we expect them to be well-informed and to offer the same quality of service and professionalism we deliver to our customers.”
Current programs include financial incentives to improve weatherization measures, install heat pumps and ductless heat pumps, and low-interest loans to upgrade systems or install solar panels. But because each incentive program includes a unique set of qualifications, Clark Public Utilities requires the work be done by a contractor from its preapproved network. The contractor will help determine the amount of a customer’s rebate, then submit all the paperwork — all the customer has to do is sign the documents.
“On top of meeting all the state’s requirements, the contractors in our network sign an agreement that specifies they’ll treat our customers well. It requires them to give our customers free, no-pressure bids, to have the job finished on a short timeline and ensures they’ll be easy for our customers to contact,” Dunham said.
Smart first step
If you’re determined to maximize your investment, consider calling one of the utility’s energy counselors, available all day during business hours at 360-992-3355, well before calling a contractor. Together you will review your home’s unique characteristics, and you should leave the conversation with a better understanding of how to prioritize improvements to your home’s energy efficiency. Energy councilors can help you work through those issues, but don’t expect them to recommend a contractor or specific product brand.
Additionally, customers should not interpret the contractor network as an endorsement, recommendation or warranty. It’s simply a list of contractors who have met the standards to represent the utility’s programs and guide customers through the rebate process. Customers should always solicit more than one bid and do their own research into a contractor’s background.
If a customer chooses to hire a contractor in the Clark Public Utilities Contractor Network and participate in the utility’s rebate and/or loan programs, a utility energy counselor will often do a follow-up inspection to make sure the work was done to the utility’s standards.
Energy Adviser is written by Clark Public Utilities. Send questions to ecod@clarkpud.com or to Energy Adviser, c/o Clark Public Utilities, P.O. Box 8900, Vancouver, WA 98668.
