Nearly every trade ally that works with nonresidential programs will encounter a custom project opportunity. Some projects are simply too unique to meet prescriptive rebate program qualifications, therefore require preapproval prior to purchase.

Because custom rebates require key project information for preapproval and rebate calculation, they can be tricky if you aren’t familiar with the requirements. Help your customers avoid unnecessary delays by assisting them with the preapproval process before ordering, purchasing or installing the equipment.

In the March 2016 issue of the EnergyAdvantage Insider, we introduced you to the Nonresidential Equipment Custom Systems program and process. Follow these tips to help you and your customers successfully submit the required preapproval applications, every time.

1. Provide a brief scope of work that describes the current equipment and the proposed upgrade.
2. Include complete project information for each piece of equipment, the equipment size and include the number of units being installed.
3. Always provide a less-efficient alternative for baseline comparison purposes.
4. Provide itemized project costs separately. If the project is self-installed, an estimate of self-installed labor cost should be provided on company letterhead.
5. Have your customer add the required customer information.
6. After the customer reviews the completed application, they must sign the customer agreement.
7. As the trade ally, complete the Project Specifier/Contractor Information and sign.
8. Attach manufacturer cut sheets for all proposed equipment and submit.
9. When in doubt, contact a Trade Ally Ambassador for assistance!

Offer Nonresidential Equipment Custom Systems rebates today to help customers achieve greater energy savings.

Questions? Call the trade ally team at 877-290-4517.

Be sure to read the next issue for an example of how Custom Systems rebates helped a customer efficiently complete a project!

Include a screen image of the DLC or ENERGY STAR^® listing with prescriptive lighting rebate applications to help speed up the review process. You should also write the DLC product code on the rebate application form. If the equipment is not DLC listed, include the LM-79 test report when submitting preapproval for custom lighting projects.

Program Insights
Multifamily Housing Basics

Investing in energy-efficient projects can add value to multifamily properties and increase lease occupancy rates. Lower energy bills can help retain existing tenants and attract new ones. MidAmerican Energy offers various programs to help multifamily facilities save energy. Here are the basics:

• During the construction process, residential apartments and condominiums three stories or fewer can receive rebates through the New Homes program.
• Existing multifamily housing complexes can take advantage of free energy assessments, as well as prescriptive and custom rebates for insulation, mechanical systems and lighting.
• An energy assessment is required to qualify for insulation rebates.
• Bonus incentives may be available when multiple projects are completed following an assessment.
• Common areas such as lobbies or dining rooms may be eligible or rebates found in the For Your Business booklet, while individual housing units utilize the rebates found in the For Your Home booklet.
• Newly installed mechanical systems in individual units are required to be SAVE tested.

Don’t miss out on assessment and rebate opportunities for your customers with multifamily properties. Customers can call the following phone numbers to request a free energy assessment and request to have you on-site during the assessment.

• Multifamily Housing: 877-401-4059
• Commercial Energy Solutions: 800-292-6448

Are you a Trade Ally Partner?
Find rebate forms and program materials faster and easier on the resources tab of the Trade Ally Partners portal.
Not a Partner? Apply online.