Summer is right around the corner and if you’re dreading the heat —and the AC bills— Wheatland Electric has a hot deal that could “members rebates for installing energy-efficient new heating and cooling systems. Typical rebates range from $200 to $500, and members who buy larger systems could see a larger rebate.
Wheatland says it offers the rebates for three reasons. First, replacing your heating and cooling system can be an expensive proposition, the rebate helps to soften the blow to members’ pocket books. Second, home heating and cooling make up the majority of home electric bills, replacing old systems with newer more efficient ones saves members money every month. And third, energy efficient heating and cooling systems create less stress on the electric grid, which is better for the cooperative and the entire community.  
“Wheatland’s rebate pays for part of your new HVAC unit, and then you save even more money on your monthly electric bills. Talk about a win-win.” says Bruce Mueller, Wheatland’s General Manager.
Word is slowly filtering out and so far 30 homeowners have applied for the rebates. Raymond Jacobs, a Wheatland member in Great Bend, recently applied for a rebate and received his check in seven days. I sure appreciate it,” said Jacobs. “A new HVAC system is a big expense, so having that free money to put toward it was a godsend. Getting a check back so quickly made it even better!”
Wheatland says the following are some of the key conditions for getting a rebate:
• Home has to be located within Wheatland’s service area.
• Must be an existing single-family home (not new construction.)
• Homeowners and landlords are both eligible.
• Existing HVAC system must be at least 10 years old.
• New system must have a qualifying energy efficiency rating.
Wheatland started the rebate program in 2014 and has given away $6,970 in rebates so far. “We want more members to take advantage of this offer,” said Mueller. “Our members tell us they want more information and assistance on how to be energy efficient, and this is one way we’re answering that call.”
If you are eligible, here are the main steps for obtaining a Wheatland rebate:
• Have a qualifying system installed by a licensed, registered HVAC contractor.
• Download a Wheatland rebate application from WECI.net or pick one up at a Wheatland office.
• Supply information such as details of the old and new systems, and your member account number.
• Provide copies of the certificate showing the energy efficiency rating and your installation invoice.
• Submit application within 60 days of installation.
Wheatland then processes your application, usually by verifying all paperwork is in order and confirming all the information with the installing contractor. The co-op says the approval process to receive your check takes three to five weeks, but the savings on your electric bill are immediate.
You can find more detailed information about Wheatland Electric’s Energy Efficiency Rebate Program online, at: http://www.weci.net/content/energy-efficiency-rebates\