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• I’ve submitted a rebate application some time ago but have heard nothing back?

  The average processing time for rebates is 6-8 weeks. If the rebate is approved, your electricity account will be credited and the next bill will be noted with the rebate program, and amount of the rebate. If the rebate is not approved, we will notify you in writing, either by mail or email depending on how the rebate was submitted.

• How much money can you save for each degree that you turn down the thermostat?

  How much you save depends on how warm you keep your home and therefore on how much energy you consume for heating. Generally you can expect to save about two percent on your energy bill for every degree Celsius you set back your thermostat.

• What does the term “R-value” mean?

  R-value is a measure of how well a material resists the passage of heat. The higher the R-value, the slower the rate of heat transfer through the insulating material and the more effective insulation is in keeping the home warm in winter and cool in summer. Insulation should always be judged by R-value rather than inches, as different insulation materials have different R-values per inch of thickness.

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• How long does it take to process a rebate?

  Rebates are processed within approximately 6-8 weeks.

• Am I able to receive a rebate for a residential property I own that is currently rented to tenants?

  Yes, for all residential programs except Instant Rebates, the homeowner is the only person eligible to receive a takeCHARGE rebate.

• I heat my home with oil, what programs am I eligible for?

  Customers heating their homes with oil or wood are eligible to participate in the HRV program.

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• What color light is available in LED light bulbs?

  LED light bulbs come in variety of different colors such as warm white or soft white, cool white or bright white and natural or daylight.  Light color is measured on a temperature scale called Kelvin.  The lower the Kelvin number, the light will appear more yellowish and the higher the Kelvin number, the light will appear more white or blue.  Some LED light bulbs have a temperature scale on the package showing the color of light in the package.  Others will simply state the color of the bulb on the package in writing.  When choosing an LED light bulb be sure to consider where the light bulb will be used in your home and also to read the packaging carefully.  Learn more about how to pick the perfect LED bulb.

• Why should I choose ENERGY STAR® certified LED lighting products?

  When choosing products look for ENERGY STAR.  Energy Star qualified lighting products meet strict quality and efficiency standards that are tested by accredited labs and certified by a third party.   They also meet high quality and performance standards in the areas of color quality and light output.

• Should LEDs be used in enclosed fixtures?

  There are LED light bulbs available that can be used in enclosed fixtures.  However, the majority of LED bulbs will indicate on the package that they are not to be used in fully enclosed fixtures.  Using an LED light bulb in an enclosed fixture when it is not recommended by the manufacturer may cause the bulb to overheat and fail early.  It is important to read the packaging carefully to find out what type of fixture the bulb can be installed in. Also the packaging should say if the bulb is meant to be used indoor or outdoor and if it is designed to be used in wet or dry locations.

• What is the correct way to dispose of compact fluorescent bulbs?

  Because CFL light bulbs contain a very small amount of mercury they should be disposed of safely.  Many municipalities have implemented household hazardous waste collection programs which allow residents to drop off their hazardous waste at designated locations and times.  Other municipalities have household hazardous waste depots that accept hazardous materials.   Check with your local municipality or waste management authority about the requirements for recycling and to get more information on what programs are available in your area.

• Are LED bulbs dimmable?

  Yes, they can, but not ALL LED’s are dimmable. LED bulbs must be designed to dim and they are not compatible with all dimmer controls designed for incandescent bulbs. Be sure the packaging states it is a dimmable bulb and choose dimmer switches that are compatible with LED light bulbs.

• Can I do anything to reduce my lighting costs?
  • Use only the amount of light you need and turn off lights when they are not in use.
  • Install lighting controls such as timers and motion sensors to ensure your lights are off when you don’t need them.
  • Choose the lowest wattage bulb that will provide the amount of light that you need.
  • Light Emitting Diode (LED) is an excellent alternative to standard incandescent light bulbs. LED light bulbs use at least 75% less energy than a traditional incandescent bulb and last at least 15 times longer.
  • Rebates are available on timers, motion sensors, dimmers and LED bulbs during Instant Rebate campaigns.