Trade Ally Newsletter - Q4 2024

What's New for 2025?

Don’t be left out in the cold regarding program and incentive updates for this important program year.

Get all the latest updates with you join us for the 2025 Nicor Gas Energy Efficiency Program’s Virtual Trade Ally Launch Event. You have two options to choose from:

Wednesday, December 11 at 8 – 9 a.m.                                                                                 

OR

Thursday, December 12 at 11 a.m. – 12 p.m.                                                                          

We’re here to help you grow your business with rebates and incentives that you can pass along to your valued customers for energy efficiency improvements. Mark your calendar for this informative webinar and register today! If you cannot attend, everyone who registered will receive a link to the recording.

Get Your Projects in for 2024!

This year is rapidly coming to a close. Here are some key dates to keep in mind to ensure your rebates are processed on time:

Welcome Scott to Our Outreach Team!

Scott Gustafson has joined our team as the trade ally outreach specialist for residential, multi-family and Contractor Circle support. He is replacing Kristine Dwyer, who has moved into another role in our energy efficiency program team. A big thanks to Kristine and best wishes in her new role! Please help us welcome Scott and reach out to him if you have any questions.

Contact Our Team!

If you have any questions about our programs or rebates and incentives, please contact the program-specific outreach team member listed below, and we can help you through it! We are also happy to visit you in person or virtually to provide a program overview for you and your team. Click below to request a meeting!

Avoid Wasted Energy and “Steamed Up” Customers

If your commercial or multi-family customers are experiencing failed steam traps, they are wasting energy and paying unnecessarily high energy bills. You can come to the rescue with a steam trap survey and replacement strategy, along with rebates available through the Nicor Gas Energy Efficiency Program. Get the rebate application and survey documents below.

STEAM TRAP REBATE APPLICATION

STEAM TRAP SURVEY WORKBOOK

On-Bill Financing Rate Change

Effective November 1, 2024, the interest rate for both the residential and small business/multi-family energy efficiency on-bill financing loan offerings decreased from 8.99% to 8.74%. All other program terms remain the same.

If you are a Contractor Circle member but not currently an on-bill financing loan approved contractor and you want to participate, you can learn more here and apply.

If you have any questions, please either contact Scott at sgustafs@southernco.com or Slipstream EFS, the program lender, at 877.923.2665.

IRA Tax Credits – Extra Incentives For Your Customers

In addition to our rebates, your residential customers may qualify for up to $1,200 in federal tax credits, depending on the energy efficiency improvements made in their home.  Qualified equipment may include furnace, boiler and tankless water heater upgrades, as well as a variety of air sealing and insulation improvements.

For additional information, visit the IRS website HERE.

Build Your Knowledge Base

We recently held two virtual training sessions that may help enhance your business practices and improve your technical knowledge. You can view the training sessions and download the related presentations by clicking the links below.

Successful Sales                                                                                                                                                                           
Presenter Tom Piscitelli has 45 years of experience in HVAC sales training, sales management, sales coaching and business coaching. Learn about Tom’s T.R.U.S.T. sales process and the six sales behaviors that create extraordinary sales results.

Steam Trap Training                                                                                                                                                            
Presenter Andrew Fadel is a service sales manager with Spirax Sarco, a steam-process industry manufacturer with offices in 62 countries globally. You will learn about the basic types of steam traps, how they operate and their applications. You’ll also learn why steam traps fail, the importance of a complete steam trap management program, and the steam trap replacement incentive opportunities with the Nicor Gas Energy Efficiency Program.