Boosting electrification in 2025

As the new year begins, Heartland Energy is taking a fresh look at the Power Forward program. It’s the perfect time to ensure incentives align with the evolving goals of promoting electrification and efficiency.

A home or business powered by electricity offers a variety of benefits, from cost savings to comfort. Electric systems are often more efficient than their gas or oil counterparts. This results in reduced overall energy consumption.

Electric appliances don’t produce combustion by-products like carbon monoxide. This makes for a cleaner, safer indoor environment. They also typically require less maintenance and last longer. 

To encourage greater adoption of electric appliances and equipment, Heartland Energy is increasing rebate amounts for two of its most popular programs.

“Rebates help lower the upfront cost, allowing more households and businesses to adopt electric technologies,” said Heartland Energy Chief Communications Officer Ann Hyland. “This provides immediate savings along with long-term benefits.”

Heat Pumps

Heat pumps are among the most efficient technologies available for heating and cooling. 

During the winter, they extract heat from the outside air and move it indoors. This uses significantly less energy than conventional heating systems because they move heat rather than generate it.

In the summer, they remove heat from inside and release it outdoors. This eliminates the need for separate heating and cooling systems, lowering upfront costs.

Additionally, their ability to maintain consistent temperatures throughout the home enhances comfort. With advancements in technology, modern heat pumps operate effectively even in extremely cold temperatures. They are a reliable choice for year-round climate control.

To encourage the adoption of heat pumps, Heartland Energy is increasing rebate amounts for their purchase in 2025 as follows:

• Ducted Electric Air-Source Heat Pump, 2 tons or larger: $1,000
• Ducted Electric Air-Source Heat Pump with Backup Electric Furnace or Boiler: $2,000
• Non-ducted Mini Split Heat Pump: $500
• Geothermal Heat Pump with Electric Backup: $2,000

In addition, Heartland will no longer require this equipment to be ENERGY STAR rated. 

“We would always encourage the purchase of the most efficient products,” said Hyland. “But higher efficiency is typically going to mean higher cost, and we don’t want anyone to feel constrained by restrictions placed on the rebate.”

It is important to note that some air source heat pump models are not suitable for low temperatures. Purchasers should always ask their installer for recommendations.

If a purchaser is planning to apply for a tax credit for new equipment, they should research requirements to qualify. More information about tax credits is available on the ENERGY STAR website. 

Water Heaters

Water heaters are typically the second largest energy user in a home. Choosing an electric model helps ensure you have hot water when you need it.

Heartland Energy has long offered rebates on electric water heaters with a lifetime warranty. They are a reliable and long-lasting choice for those seeking minimal maintenance and cost savings.

Heartland is changing the structure of the rebates offered. Now, purchasing an electric tank water heater with a lifetime warranty will result in a rebate of $20 per gallon of capacity. 

Standard electric water heaters are also eligible for rebates. They offer many benefits including lower upfront cost, efficiency, and safety.

Standard electric water heaters 50 – 79 gallons will qualify for a $150 rebate. Water heaters 80 gallons or larger will qualify for a $300 rebate.

Heartland will continue offering a $400 rebate on heat pump water heaters. ENERGY STAR models also qualify for a tax credit due to their high efficiency.

Other rebates still in place

Heartland will continue offering rebates for commercial and residential customers in other categories.

Level 2 Smart Chargers installed by a customer of a participating utility are eligible for a $500 rebate.

Owners of electric vehicles can complete a survey on charging habits. The questionnaire is available on Heartland’s website. Qualifying customers are eligible for a $50 rebate for completing the survey.

Commercial customers may apply for incentives for upgrading lighting or refrigeration equipment. 

The final change to the Power Forward program is the elimination of limits on the total rebate amounts each community can receive.

“As the program has evolved, we no longer see the need to restrict the amount of funds flowing into a certain town,” Hyland added. “We want to ensure rebates are accessible to those who want to use them.”

All updated applications are available on Heartland Energy’s website.

Program questions can be directed to Heartland Energy Chief Communications Officer Ann Hyland at 605-256-6536.