Trade Ally Newsletter - Q3 2024
In This Issue
Webinars and Trainings
Improve Your Natural Gas Heat Pump Knowledge
Natural gas heat pumps (GHPs) are anticipated to forever change the HVAC landscape in Illinois. It is an emerging gas technology that is up to 140% efficient, is good for the environment, and will save your customers energy and money. Learn more by watching our webinar or downloading the information below.
Check out our past newsletters for anything you missed!
Commercial Program Updates
Commercial Rebate Changes for Boiler Tune-ups and Preapprovals
Effective September 1, there are important changes to prescriptive commercial and multi-family rebates.
Boiler tune-up tiering added
Process boiler tune-ups are now tiered incentives. As a reminder, process boilers are eligible for tune-up rebates every 2 years. The new incentive levels are:
- 100-1500 MBTUH - $0.50/MBTUH, up to $500
- 1501-1999 MBTUH - $0.50/MBTUH, up to $750
- 2000-2999 MBTUH - $0.50/MBTUH, up to $1,000
- ≥3000 MBTUH - $0.50/MBTUH, up to $1,500
Preapprovals removed for commercial and multi-family prescriptive rebates
All preapprovals will be removed from prescriptive rebates. This includes:
- Demand-controlled ventilation
- Kitchen demand-controlled ventilation
- All agriculture measures
We hope this change removes participation barriers and encourages more customers to participate in these rebates. As a reminder, Custom incentives still need to go through the preapproval process.
Make sure to download the updated fact sheets and applications!
New Applications and Fact Sheets Here!
Steam Trap Failures Waste Energy
Failed steam traps are a huge energy waster that can result in unnecessarily high energy bills and unhappy customers. The Nicor Gas Energy Efficiency Program has rebates for several types of steam traps, so talk to your customers about a survey and replacement strategy today! Get the application and survey documents below.
Residential Program Updates
Smart Thermostats for Smart Savings
Smart thermostats are a game-changer in home comfort and energy efficiency! By seamlessly integrating with an HVAC system, these devices learn homeowner preferences, can be controlled remotely and optimize comfort and energy savings. When a furnace and smart thermostat are installed at the same time and applied for together, customers can receive an additional $25 rebate.
See the latest qualifying product list here to view over 120 models that are eligible for this rebate.
Improve Comfort and Save Energy with Air Sealing and Insulation (ASI)
Air sealing and insulation (ASI) not only helps protect against chilly winter weather, it also can keep out the summer heat! ASI is a closed network program and only approved contractors can offer these rebates. Tell your customers to visit our Find a Contractor tool to find approved contractors in their area that can make their homes more comfortable and energy efficient.
To learn more about ASI or how to participate, please contact Pete Kane at 224.735.8280 or pkane@resource-innovations.com.
Contractor Spotlight
Britney 2024 TAD Graduate
Congratulations TAD Graduates!
The Nicor Gas Energy Efficiency Program graduated the second cohort of its Trade Ally Development initiative, an education and networking hub designed to help diverse contractors grow their businesses and help meet the state’s clean energy goals. The free annual program is open to small business owners and contractors within the Nicor Gas service territory that are looking to elevate their business offerings within the rapidly expanding energy efficiency industry.
This year, 12 local energy efficiency, HVAC and weatherization contractors boosted their business potential through nine weeks of virtual classes. Additionally, participants learned about energy efficiency rebates and resources they could offer to their customers, while also participating in one-on-one mentoring sessions and workshops to develop their business growth plans. They also received support to improve marketing, accounting, financial literacy, human resources and sales development to support the future success of their businesses.
For more on the Nicor Gas Trade Ally Development Program, please visit nicorgas.com/tad.
Trade Ally Updates
Pro Tips for Seamless Rebate Processing
Having delays with rebate processing? Try these tips for a smoother experience:
- Make sure your invoice has all the information listed on the invoice checklist.
- No special characters. Using special characters (such as &!?) in the online application can cause the process to slow or stop.
- If you are a Contractor Circle member offering the rebate as an instant discount, make sure to deduct the rebate amount from the invoice and have the customer sign the invoice or instant discount checklist.
If you have any rebate questions, contact our rebate support team at 877.886.4239. For all other trade ally related questions, contact Kristine Dwyer at krdwyer@southernco.com or 224.760.0946.
