Programs & Incentives
Electric Vehicle (EV) Planning
Electric Vehicle Learning Center
If you are considering an EV, use this J.D. Power tool to provide valuable information and help you make an informed decision on your next vehicle purchase. This tool provides a customized plan detailing your savings, available incentives, carbon reductions and more based on your driving habits, budget and electricity usage. Check it out on the Electric Vehicle Learning Hub.
According to the U.S. Department of Energy Alternative Fuels Data Center, electric vehicles (EVs) charge their batteries by drawing electricity directly from the grid and other off-board electrical power sources. EVs provide instant torque, resulting in a fun, fast and quiet driver experience. They cost less to operate and can have significant emissions benefits over conventional vehicles. More information about electric vehicles is available on the AFDC’s website.
DEMEC Energy Efficiency Program
Efficiency Smart
Efficiency Smart helps participating communities and their residential and business customers use less energy and save money through technical assistance and financial incentives. They offer multiple program options, which include advanced technical support and financial incentives, to help municipalities, businesses, and individuals reduce energy and save money now and into the future.
DEMEC members currently participating include: the Town of Smyrna, Lewes BPW, City of Newark, Town of Middletown, City of Seaford, City of Milford, Town of Clayton, and MSC of the City of New Castle.
For more information on the program, contact Scott Lynch (slynch@demecinc.net).
DEMEC supports residential and commercial energy efficiency improvements. A few simple tips to get you started right away include:
- Switch to LED lighting
- Turn off lights/electronics in empty rooms and when they are not being used.
- Adjust your thermostat by 2-3 degrees, especially while you are away.
- Open blinds/curtains to allow natural light and heat into your home during the day (when cool outside).
- Try making meals without using the oven or stove.
- Do not stand with the refrigerator/freezer door open for long.
- Lower the temperature of your hot water heater.
- Replace HVAC filters monthly.
- Unplug chargers and turn off power strips when devices are not in use.
- Use a fan to help move cool air throughout a room.
State of Delaware Energy Efficiency Programs & Incentives
Energy Efficiency Investment Fund
The Energy Efficiency Investment Fund (EEIF) was created to help Delaware businesses make strategic investments in capital equipment and facility upgrades that will help decrease operating costs, reduce energy consumption, and improve environmental performance. The program offers funding for technical assistance, as well as competitively awarded grants and loans for implementation of energy efficiency projects.
Weatherization Assistance Program
The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) Weatherization Assistance Program reduces energy costs for low-income households by increasing the energy efficiency of their homes.
Delaware Clean Transportation Incentive Program
The Delaware Clean Transportation Incentive Program provide incentives for Delawareans to purchase new, leased or retrofitted alternatively-fueled vehicles, electric vehicle charging equipment for electric vehicles and install alternative fueling infrastructure. CTIP programs are currently funded at $2.7 million, with funding through Delaware’s participation in the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative (RGGI).
Delaware Energy Efficiency Advisory Council
The Delaware Energy Efficiency Advisory Council (EEAC) consists of 13 representatives from a wide range of stakeholders including DEMEC who assist with the development and deployment of energy efficiency programs and financing mechanisms.
Sustainable Energy Utility (SEU) Incentives
Home Performance with ENERGY STAR
Home Performance with ENERGY STAR takes a whole-house approach to maximize residential energy savings. A comprehensive home energy audit is performed first to identify energy saving improvements that are right for your existing home. Then, customers can take advantage of potential rebates for completing those improvements.
Low-Interest Commercial Loan Program
The Low-Interest Commercial Loan Program encourages the adoption and installation of energy efficiency measures and customer-sited renewable generation systems by providing financing to credit worthy businesses and non-profits located in existing facilities in Delaware.
Commercial and Industrial Energy Assessments
Commercial and Industrial Energy Assessments are available to all existing non-residential buildings. Properties that are eligible for an energy assessment incentive include businesses, non-profit organizations, and the public sector. For non-profit/Governments: the SEU covers 90% of audit cost; this can range from $400 to $1600 depending on energy usage. For profit companies will have their fee determined after a consultation with the SEU.
Federal Energy Tax Credits
ENERGY SAVINGS HUB
Visit the ENERGY SAVINGS HUB to learn more about saving money on home energy upgrades, clean, vehicles, and more for homeowners and renters.
ENERGY STAR
The Federal tax credit is applicable to certain ENERGY STAR and renewable energy products. Not all ENERGY STAR or renewable energy systems qualify for a tax credit.