The Board of Public Utilities encourages builders to construct homes with energy efficiency in mind. BPU participates with builders in the form of rebates for installation of electric heat pumps and electric hot-water tanks.
To participate in BPU’s Home-Builder Rebate Program, a builder must install electric-heating equipment according to BPU’s requirements listed below.
When building in a developer/BPU-approved subdivision, the builder must adhere to developers’ requirements pertaining to equipment installations. BPU encourages builders to obtain a heat-loss/heat-gain calculation from their HVAC dealer to ensure proper sizing of equipment.
Builder Rebate-Program Requirements
1. Add-on heat-pump home
Add-on heat pump must be the primary source of heat, with a fossil fuel system as backup heating.
The balance point for fuel switching must be set at approximately 27 degrees F.
A programmable thermostat for dual-fuel systems should be installed. Thermostats should not be set in drafts, in sunny areas, or on outside walls.
2. Add-on heat pump, with an electric hot-water tank
Add-on heat pump must be the primary source of heat, with a fossil-fuel system as backup heating.
The balance point for fuel switching must be set at approximately 27 degrees F.
A programmable thermostat for dual-fuel systems should be installed. Thermostats should not be set in drafts, in sunny areas, or on outside walls.
A minimum 50-gallon electric hot-water tank with an Energy Factor (EF) of 92 must be installed.
3. All-electric heat-pump-heated home
A total-electric heat pump must be the only source of heat for the home.
A programmable thermostat for heat-pump systems should be installed. Thermostats should not be set in drafts, in sunny areas, or on outside walls.
A minimum 50-gallon electric hot-water tank with an Energy Factor (EF) of 92 must be installed.
BPU does allow gas connection to the home for fireplaces.
Contact our Economic Development and Retail Services Department at (913) 573-9988 for further information and incentive rebate amounts based on the above electrically heated home-construction designs.
