Numerous energy grants are available throughout Florida.
Florida and many of its municipalities have made a priority of encouraging more responsible use of energy. Throughout the state, sustainable energy and energy efficiency are the goals of grants, loans, rebates, tax credits and other programs. Among these programs are several intended to motivate homeowners to buy and install energy-efficient systems. Does this Spark an idea?
Tallahassee: Low Income Energy Programs
The city of Talahassee provides numerous programs to help low-income homeowners and renters improve energy efficiency. Among these is a grant of up to $500 for ceiling insulation. Owners and renters with inefficient ceiling insulation (less than R24 level) who earn less than 80 percent of the city's median income may qualify. Another Tallahassee grant provides up to $500 to repair and retrofit HVAC (heating, ventilation and air-conditioning) systems. These funds can be used for such repairs as evaporator coil cleaning, refrigerant charging and duct leak repair. More generally, the city provides larger grants for emergency home repair and code enforcement rehab projects (both of which can involve energy systems) and weatherization grants. The city also offers free energy audits for homes and businesses.
Tallahassee Utility Customer Service
Renaissance Center
435 N. Macomb St.
Tallahassee, FL 32301
850-891-4968
talgov.com
Orange County: Solar Hot Water Incentive Program
Orange County's solar hot water incentive program offers a $200 incentive for systems installed after April 2008 in homes and businesses. Properties must be in Orange County and the property owner must apply within six months of installation. Applicants must provide proof of a completed energy audit, which can be performed by a third party contractor or by the property owner using U.S. Department of Energy guidelines. This audit helps determine current energy usage and possible improvements to efficiency.
Orange County Environmental Protection Division
800 Mercy Drive, Suite 4
Orlando, FL 32808
407-836-1400
orangecountyfl.net
Gainesville Regional Utilities: Electric Rebate Program
Gainesville Regional Utilities, owned by the city of Gainesville, offers numerous financial incentives to residential and commercial customers for the installation, maintenance or repair of energy systems. Most are implemented as rebates for energy-efficient systems. Among these are a $375 rebate for increased attic or floor insulation, $40 for air-conditioning maintenance, up to $375 for duct leak repair and $75 for the removal of old, inefficient refrigerators. Application instructions and funding status vary by program and are updated online.
Gainesville Regional Utilities
301 SE Fourth Ave.
Gainesville, FL 32601
352-334-3434
gru.com
Tags: Orange County, Among these, Gainesville Regional, Gainesville Regional Utilities, Regional Utilities
