Published: November 19, 2008 11:36 am      

Rebate program expands

To help the city become more energy efficient, Duncan Power has increased rebates for its Good Cents program.

The program aims to reduce consumer energy use by encouraging customers to purchase energy-efficient products through a rebate incentive.

Good Cents provides customers who buy certain appliances and fixtures with a percentage of the cost of that product.

The idea behind the initiative is to lower peak energy sales. Because Duncan Power purchases its electric supply from the Oklahoma Municipal Power Authority, it receives it at a wholesale price. That price is determined by peak energy usage. The peak, even if it lasts for only a few minutes for one day in July, sets the cost Duncan Power will pay for energy for the entire year, and in turn, what its customers will pay for energy.

Mayor Gene Brown said that while the concept seems unusual, it is one that benefits not just residents, but the utility authority, as well.

With the new rebates, customers who purchase Energy Star dishwashers will receive $30 back on their purchase. The previous rebate was $25.

For Energy Star light fixtures, the rebate has been increased to $5 per fixture up to a total rebate of $65. That incentive used to be $2 per fixture up to a total rebate of $25.

All other Energy Star built-in electrical appliances will have rebates ranging from $25 each up to $115.

Previously, that rebate was $15 each up to $70.

The heat pump rebate has also jumped, from 15 percent to 25 percent.

And a new incentive offers a 10 percent discount off the Fuel Cost Adjustment rate for off-peak hours for Good Cents Plus members.

The discount will apply November through May, if the customer has the backup electric heat pump.

For information about the program, call Duncan Power at 580-470-2071.