City Rebates Nearly $60,000 to Utility Customers
In 2021, the City of Pierre rebated nearly $60,000 to its utility customers through the City’s Bright Energy Solutions (BES) Program. BES provides utility credits to people and businesses that purchase Energy Star appliances and lighting, electric vehicle chargers, and energy efficient mechanical systems.
More than $39,000 of those rebates went to Pierre residents; about $20,000 went to commercial customers.
“When you buy an item that qualifies for a rebate, you submit a form to the City,” said Brad Palmer, City Utilities Director. “The rebate amount is then applied to your utility bill, but the savings don’t end there.”
Collectively, the Pierre customers who used the rebate program in 2021 will save more than $46,000 in energy costs annually.
“The more energy efficient your lighting, your appliances, your home, the lower your utility bill,” said Palmer.
“We’re a public power utility -what’s good for our customers is good for us.”
Rebates are available for the following for high-efficiency ENERGY STAR® equipment:
- Air purifier: $25
- Clothes washer: $25
- Dehumidifier: $25
- LED lighting: $1.50 - $4
- Smart Thermostat: $25
- Window or wall air conditioner: $25
Residential customers can also receive these additional rebates:
- ChargePoint Home Electric Vehicle Charger: $500
- Air-Source heat pump: $200 - $1,300
- Geothermal heat pump: $200 per ton
- Central air conditioner: $200 - $400
- Heat pump or A/C tune-up: $30
- Heat pump water heater: $150
For a complete list of rebate options, rebate forms, and other energy-saving resources, visit BrightEnergySolutions.com.
The City of Pierre does not generate electricity; it distributes it. About two-thirds of Pierre’s electric power is hydroelectric power generated by the Oahe Dam and purchased from the Western Area Power Administration. The other one-third is purchased through Missouri River Energy Services (MRES), a not-for-profit whole sale power provider that exclusively serves public power entities.
The Bright Energy Solutions program is offered by a partnership between the City of Pierre and MRES.