UTAH UNVEILS ASSESSMENT AND REBATE PROGRAM

Desnews.com

The state of Utah unveiled on Monday a program that will provide energy audits and cash rebates for retrofits.

Known as Utah Home Performance with Energy Star, the federally funded program will last two years. It is one of the many energy-related projects paid for by stimulus funds, said Jason Berry, Utah State Energy Program manager who oversees Utah Home Performance. The program could continue past two years and be passed on to utility companies if it proves successful, he said.

Utah Home Performance will cover between 50 percent and 80 percent of energy-efficient home improvements and could serve almost 2,800 homes.

An analyst certified by the Building Performance Institute will conduct the initial assessment for a cost of $100. Homeowners will then receive a customized report of the recommended energy-saving measures and can apply for rebates, provided the work has been performed by a participating contractor.

On top of the funds available through Utah Home Performance, residents also may receive federal tax credits and rebates through their local utilities. Visit www.utahhomeperformance.com or call 877-298-4675 for more information.