Xcel Energy New Home Builders Rebate

Xcel Energy StarŽ for New Homes Program 2009 FAQs

EnergyLogic is pleased to participate as the primary energy rating service provider in the Xcel Energy StarŽ for New Homes Program. This program buys down the cost of rater services and provides substantial rebates for homebuilders working within Xcel gas territory who commit to building ENERGY STARŽ homes.

When did the program begin and how long will it last?

While the official start date for the New Homes program was March 1, 2009, houses that received their TBC (rough insulation and air barrier) inspection on or after January 1, 2009, are 'grandfathered' into the program. We have already tracked and enrolled all of our clients' eligible addresses. We don't know how long the program will last.

Do I have to be an Energy Star Builder?

Yes. Well, sort of. In order to qualify for the builder incentives, you must meet Energy Star requirements and we must submit all necessary Energy Star documentation to Xcel. Xcel "acknowledges that not all homes enrolled will meet this standard." Currently, a home can be enrolled into the Energy Star program even though the builder of the home has not signed up as an Energy Star partner. If you are not currently an Energy Star partner, we recommend that you that you consider becoming one in order to take full advantage of the marketing benefits of the program.

EnergyStar Partner Information

How do I know which houses qualify for the program?

In working with EnergyLogic, you're already most of the way there, as you are already receiving guidance about how to ensure your houses meet Energy StarŽ requirements.

When we receive your request for a rough inspection, we check to see if your house is clearly within Xcel gas territory and enroll that house in the program. We take a picture of the gas meter at the house as verification that the house is within the territory and send it to Xcel as part of the enrollment process.

What does the Xcel rater subsidy cover?

The Xcel Energy StarŽ for New Homes program provides a subsidy of $460 to buy down the cost of rater consulting and testing services. We have dedicated most of that subsidy to our standard performance testing and reporting services for our full two inspection process ($375). For most production homebuilders, this subsidy will cover the cost of both rough and final inspections. Custom builders will see a reduction of the standard fee for testing custom houses. The remaining $85 of the Xcel subsidy will offset the costs of the extensive reporting and documentation Xcel requires so that you can qualify for the Builder Incentive.

Xcel will pay EnergyLogic directly for testing and reporting on houses that are successfully enrolled in their program.

We will continue to invoice you for plans analysis, optional testing services such as rough duct leakage testing (if you choose this option), for re-inspections required to enable you to pass Energy Star and for other consulting or requested services.

What about the Energy Rating Certificates (HERS) and other documentation I currently receive from EnergyLogic?

Participation in the Xcel New Homes program changes nothing about your relationship with EnergyLogic. You will still work directly with us, and we will continue to provide the same testing and inspections, Energy Star and HERS certificates, and meet all other energy related program and code specific requirements.

What kind of rebate is available to builders?

Xcel will pay the Colorado Builder Performance Path Incentive directly to the homebuilder after EnergyLogic has successfully demonstrated a home's compliance with the Energy StarŽ program. The incentive payment will be based on the reported HERS Index:

HERS Index	Performance Rating Rebate	BOP Rating Rebate	Sampling Rating Rebate
(80/85 - 76)	$ 350.00	$ 350.00	$ 115.50
75 - 66	$ 500.00	N/A	$ 165.00
65 - 56	$ 700.00	N/A	$ 231.00
55 - 46	$ 1,200.00	N/A	$ 396.00
45 or less	$ 2,000.00	N/A	$ 660.00

Houses permitted in the city and county of Boulder, or in unincorporated Boulder County, are paid at a different rate. Sampling is not allowed, and payments vary based on square footage of the house. (If your home is being built in Boulder County, but permitted under another authority, for example a house permitted in Longmont, you will receive standard rebates. You'll need to submit documentation of the permitting authority-for example, a .pdf of the building permit, or a .pdf of the CO-in order to prove your eligibility.)

HERS Index	Up to 3,000	3,001 - 5,000	5,001 and Over
(80/85 - 76)	N/A	N/A	N/A
75 - 66	N/A	N/A	N/A
65 - 56	$ 350.00	N/A	N/A
55 - 46	$ 500.00	$ 350.00	N/A
45 - 36	$ 700.00	$ 500.00	N/A
35 - 26	$ 1,200.00	$ 700.00	$ 350.00
25 - 16	$ 2,000.00	$ 1,200.00	$ 500.00
15 - 06	$ 3,000.00	$ 2,000.00	$ 700.00
05 - Net Zero	$ 5,000.00	$ 3,000.00	$ 1,200.00

How do I claim my rebate? When can I expect payment from Xcel?

You don't have to do anything! EnergyLogic will submit all necessary documentation to Xcel Energy. Each month we'll send you a list of houses that have been approved as "complete" by Xcel so you'll know what to expect, and they will send your Builder Incentive check directly to you. You can expect your check within 60 days of the final energy testing on your house.

What about houses which are not within Xcel Gas territory?

We will invoice you directly, or follow your existing payment procedure, for inspections on houses that fall outside of Xcel gas territory.

The Governor's Energy Office (GEO) is pleased to provide a $300 per home rebate to all ENERGY STARŽ houses that are not supported by utility rebate programs. We'll be happy to help you with the paperwork needed to receive this rebate! www.colorado.gov/energy.

Are there any other Rebate programs available to Builders?

Yes.

If you build within the Colorado Springs Utility service territory you are eligible for rebates through their Energy StarŽ New Homes Builder Incentive Program. http://www.csu.org/business/rebates/20003.pdf

Xcel Energy Electric rebate: If you build within Xcel Energy's electric service territory and install the following four features in your homes , you are eligible for a $110 rebate.

Energy Star refrigerator
Energy Star dishwasher
Energy Star clothes washer
20 compact fluorescent light bulbs

Xcel requires photo documentation as well as the make, model and serial number of each appliance in order to qualify for the credit. For houses that are also within Xcel gas territory, EnergyLogic will document the electric appliances at the time of our final inspection—if they are installed already.

If you are not building within Xcel gas territory, but are within Xcel's electric service territory, you can email the photos and verification numbers to us and we'll see that you receive the Electric Rebate from Xcel.