Public Comment Period Extended

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Early Refrigerator Retirement Application

Early Refrigerator Disposal Form

Home Electronics / Office Equipment Application

Water Heater Application

MVP Ductless Heat Pump Application

DHP Homeowner Participation Application

DHP Contractor Invoice Application

AAHP Application

GSHP Application

MVP Duct Sealing Application

MVP Duct Sealing Assignment of Incentive

MVP Incentive Assignment Application.

Slab Insulation Application.

Insulation Application.

Energy Star CFL & Light Fixture Application

Energy Star® Manufactured Home

Energy Star® Manufactured Home  Sales Person Application

Montana Home Builder Agreement Application

Montana Home Builder Specifications

Shower Head Application

Window Application.

Mission Valley Power Energy Self Audit Sheet

Download as PDF

July and August POWER NOTES

Power Notes May & June 2010

After a review of staffing and benefit costs, the long range plan for service area system improvements costs, equipment and computer replacement plan costs, energy efficiency program costs equipment and computer replacement plan costs, energy efficiency program costs as well as business operation costs, a budget shortfall of $900,000.00 has been identified for the period October 1, 2010 to September 30, 2011.

The revenue shortfall can be attributed to loss of revenue due to the closure of Plum Creek’s Operation in Pablo, new account installations are 50% below what we had in the middle 2000′ s, and the cost of doing business is still rising. Mission Valley Power is not increasing our employee numbers during this economy and continues to do business in a cost effective manner.

~fission Valley Power intends to pass on about one-third ofthis shortfall to ollr customers with a basic rate increase and a change to our area light/un-metered street light cost. The remaining shortfall will be handled by budget reductions.

The Utility Board has looked at the cost of establishing new services, including lighting. One area where we are not recovering our costs is when we install a wood pole for an area or an un-metered street light. In order to recover our costs, all future installations of area lights on wood poles and un-metered street lights on wood poles will require the customer to pay the cost of the pole and installation, which today is about $450.00. This eliminates the “area light with pole” and the “street light (Unmetered) with pole” rate classes, and all customers will pay the same rate. MVP will be responsible for all future maintenance.

The Basic Monthly Rate will be increased for all rate classes. The residential monthly minimum will also increase. The Basic Monthly Rate for metered street lights will increase as well. The irrigation horse power rate will not change. The energy rate charge (kWh) is not going to be changed at this time.

Even with these rate changes, Mission Valley Power’s residential rate remains the lowest in Montana.

The link below will allow you to download and print a public comment sheet.  Please mail to the address on the form.

comment sheet for public meetings pdf

(October 1, 2009 – September 30, 2010)

**For all programs with ending dates listed, Mission Valley Power must receive all forms and necessary paper work by mail at the Mission Valley Power Pablo Office no later than the ending date listed.

A.    Residential Programs

Appliance Program

• Mission Valley Power wants to encourage homeowners to replace old inefficient appliances and purchase Energy Star® rated or better energy efficient appliances for new and replacement applications.
• Customer must request an Appliance Application. Customer needs to complete appliance form, and attach a copy of the receipt of purchase and the yellow energy guide sticker and return to the Mission Valley Power Pablo Office.
• Mission Valley Power will credit the customer account in the amount of $50 per Energy Star® qualified home appliance and these include: Air Conditioners – Room & Central, Dish Washers, Dehumidifiers, Refrigerators / Freezers and Water Coolers.
• Mission Valley Power will credit the customer account in the amount of $70 per Energy Star® qualified clothes washer with a MEF ≥1.8.
• This program may be revised on October 1, 2010.

Early Refrigerator Retirement Program

• Mission Valley Power wants to encourage homeowners to replace old inefficient refrigerators and purchase Energy Star® rated or better energy efficient appliances for new and replacement applications. MVP wants to encourage customers to remove the old inefficient high energy use refrigerators from the electrical system.

·      Customer must request an Early Refrigerator Retirement Application. Customer needs to complete Early Refrigerator Retirement appliance form. The homeowner and decommissioner must sign the form and attach a copy of the EPA Disposal Form signed by decommissioner and return to the Mission Valley Power Pablo Office.

• Mission Valley Power will credit the customer account in the amount of $50 per refrigerator that is verified functional and that is at least 10 cubic foot in capacity.  The unit must be decommissioned and its components recycled.
• Mission Valley Power will pay the EPA certified decommissioner $75 per refrigerator that is verified functional and that is at least 10 cubic foot in capacity.  The unit must be decommissioned and its components recycled.
• This program may be revised on October 1, 2010.

Home Electronics & Office Equipment Program

• Mission Valley Power wants to encourage homeowners to replace inefficient electronics/office equipment and purchase Energy Star® rated or better energy efficient electronics/office equipment for new and replacement applications.
• Customer must request a Home Electronics / Office Equipment Application. Customer needs to complete application, and attach a copy of the receipt of purchase and yellow energy guide sticker (or copy of user’s guide or box label with model # and Energy Star® logo) and return to the Mission Valley Power Pablo Office.
• Mission Valley Power will credit the customer account in the amount of $15 per qualified Energy Star® home electronics/office equipment.
• Energy Star® Home Electronics & Office Equipment that qualify for a credit to your account include: DVD, Home Audio, TV’s, VCR’s, Computers, Copiers, Faxes, Monitors, Multifunction Devices, Printers, Ceiling Fans & Programmable Thermostats.
• This program may be revised on October 1, 2010.

Water Heater Program

• Mission Valley Power wants to encourage customers to install a new electric (tank type) or replace existing electric (tank type) water heaters with energy efficient water heater (tank type) models. The electric water heater must have a minimum energy factor of .93 EF for 64 gallons or less and a minimum energy factor of .91 EF for 65 gallons or more.

·      Customer must request a Water Heater Application. Customer needs to complete application, and attach a copy of the receipt of purchase and yellow energy guide sticker or (label off the shipping box with model # and Energy Factor) and return to the Mission Valley Power Pablo Office.

·      Mission Valley Power will credit the customer account, in the amount of $60 per qualified installed energy efficient electric tank type water heater.

• This program may be revised on October 1, 2010.

Ductless Heat Pump Program

• Mission Valley Power wants to encourage existing residential homes w/electric resistant type of heat to install Ductless Heat Pumps for heating and cooling in retrofit applications in place of zonal type heat.  (This program is for existing residential electrically heated homes ONLY). System must be installed and certified by a factory certified installer. The heat pump’s indoor unit shall have nominal heating capacity of one (1) ton or greater and have an inverter driven compressor and at least one indoor unit.

• Customer must request and complete the MVP Ductless Heat Pump Application and the DHP Homeowner Participation Application and the installer must complete and sign the Contractor Invoice Application. Include one copy of the MVP’s, Homeowner’s and the Contractor’s forms, receipt of purchase, yellow Energy Guide Label and return to the Mission Valley Power Pablo Office.   One copy of all forms needs to be sent to Northwest Ductless Heat Pump for approval.  Approval by Northwest Ductless Heat Pump Project is required before billing credits or checks can be issued.
• Site verification will be required for each completed project by Mission Valley Power.
• After April 1, 2010 BPA will no longer offer Ductless Heat Pump rebates for homes heated with electric forced air furnaces.
• Mission Valley Power will pay or credit the customer account in the amount of $1,350 and the installer will receive $150 per qualified installed Ductless Heat Pump unit with electric resistance back up heat.
• This program may be revised on October 1, 2010.

Air Source Heat Pump Program

• MVP wants to encourage high electrical power users to install Electric Air Source Heat Pumps for heating and cooling in new and retrofit applications.  This program is for residential homes ONLY). The minimum specifications are:  14SEER / 8.5 HSPF. (System must be installed and certified by a Performance Tested Comfort Systems (PTCS) Certified Installers and have auxiliary electric resistance back up heat required for rebate. Call MVP for specifications, PTCS requirements and forms).

• Customer must request AAHP Application. MVP Customer and Installer must complete and sign the form.  Along with the form you must also send all other required documents listed on the form to ECOS Consulting and get prior approval and return a copy to the Mission Valley Power Pablo Office before billing credits or checks will be issued.
• Site verification will be required for each completed project by Mission Valley Power.
• Mission Valley Power will pay or credit the customer account in the amount of $650 – $1,380 and the installer will receive $250 per qualified installed PTCS certified air source heat pump unit with electric resistance back up heat. After October 1, 2009 MT Energy Efficient homes built with a Heat Pump may have lower rebates levels.
• This program may be revised on October 1, 2010.

Ground Source Heat Pump Program

• Mission Valley Power wants to encourage high electrical power users to install Ground Source Heat Pumps for heating, cooling and hot water heating in new and retrofit applications. in place of zonal or central electric systems. This program is for residential homes ONLY). (System must be installed and certified by a Performance Tested Comfort Systems (PTCS) Certified Installers and have auxiliary electric resistance back up heat required for rebate. Call MVP for specifications, PTCS requirements and forms).
• Customer must request GSHP Application. MVP Customer and Installer must complete and sign the form, along with the form you must also send all other required documents listed on the form to ECOS Consulting and get prior approval and return a copy to the Mission Valley Power Pablo Office before billing credits or checks will be issued.
• Site verification will be required for each completed project by Mission Valley Power.
• Mission Valley Power will pay or credit the customer account in the amount of $3,000 and the installer will receive $250 per qualified installed PTCS certified ground source heat pump unit with electric resistance back up heat. Request specifications from Mission Valley Power.  
• This program may be revised on October 1, 2010.

Residential  Duct  Sealing and Commissioning Program

• MVP wants to encourage customers whose main heat source is some form of electric heat with a forced air ducted delivery system to complete Duct Sealing and Commissioning on the ducted systems. The Duct Sealing and Commissioning work is completed by private Contractors that are PTCS certified in Duct Sealing and Commissioning of ducted forced air systems. The heating ducts must be located in a non heated or non conditioned space. The ducts being sealed must meet certain criteria and specifications for the post commissioning test to qualify for a billing credit. The duct commissioning will improve the efficiency of the heating and ducted delivery system by sealing leaks and improving air flows in the existing ductwork. This program is designed for residential site built and manufactured homes ONLY (not commercial buildings). The types of systems eligible are Electric Forced Air Furnaces, Air and Ground Source Heat Pumps with back up electric heat. The duct system must be tested, commissioned and certified by a Performance Tested Comfort Systems (PTCS) certified Duct Sealing Commissioner. Go to our website at www.missionvalleypower.org for a list of eligible Performance Tested Comfort Systems (PTCS) Certified Installers For Duct Sealing and Commissioning in  MVP’s service area who have recently completed jobs to the specified requirements and along with the required forms had the completed jobs listed as ACCEPTED by the approving agency.

• Customer must request MVP Duct Sealing Application and an MVP Incentive Assignment Application. MVP Customer and Installer must complete and sign the Duct Commissioning form.  Along with the form, you must also send a copy of the form and all other required documents listed on the form to the Mission Valley Power Pablo Office and one copy to ECOS Consulting. The completed job must show up as Accepted on the PTCS website before billing credits will be issued.
• Site verification will be required for each completed project by Mission Valley Power.
• Mission Valley Power will pay or credit in the amount of $300 – $850, this will go to the homeowner unless there is a signed Incentive Agreement for the rebate to go to the Duct Commissioner.
• This program may be revised on October 1, 2010.

Slab Insulation

• Mission Valley Power wants to encourage new home construction and during remodeling to insulate under the concrete slab (an area usually not insulated) for greater energy savings and comfort.  This is available only for residential homes and living space whose main heat source is some form of  electric heat.
• Customer must request a Slab Insulation Application. Customer must complete application and include receipt of purchase (or receipt from installer with square footage and R Values installed) and return to the Mission Valley Power Pablo Office.
• Customer must give MVP at least 48 hour notice prior to slab inspection (pictures of the completed job will be accepted).
• Mission Valley Power will credit the customer account in the amount of $.50 per square foot of installed R10 under slab insulation w/R5 thermal break (use blue or gray rigid insulation) per qualified installed unit. The amount of credit shall be capped at $500 per single-family unit.

• This program may be revised on October 1, 2010.

Under Floor & Perimeter Insulation

• Mission Valley Power wants to encourage homeowners to add insulation to the under the floor of existing homes for greater energy savings and comfort. This program is not intended for new home construction.  This program is for existing homes only. This is available only for homes with electric heat as the main heat source.
• Customer must request an Insulation Application. Customer must complete application and include receipt of purchase (or receipt from installer with square footage and R Values installed) and return to the Mission Valley Power Pablo Office.
• Customer must give MVP at least 48 hour notice for insulation inspection (pictures of the completed job will be accepted).

• Mission Valley Power will credit the customer account for increasing insulation from R-0 to a R-19 installed insulation in the amount of $0.85 per square foot for qualified installed insulation added in the under floor area.
• Mission Valley Power will credit the customer account for increasing insulation from R-19 to a R-30 installed insulation in the amount of $0.15 per square foot for qualified installed insulation added in the under floor area.
• Mission Valley Power will credit the customer account for increasing insulation from R-0 to a R-30 installed insulation in the amount of $1.00 per square foot for qualified installed insulation added in the under floor area.
• The amount of credit shall be the lesser of: 1) the amount shown above;  or 2) 75% of total  project cost.
• If insulation is to be added, make sure the ventilation is to the building code requirements for your area.
• This program may be revised on October 1, 2010.

Wall Insulation

• Mission Valley Power wants to encourage homeowners to add insulation to the exterior  walls of existing homes for greater energy savings and comfort. This program is not intended for new home construction.  This program is for existing homes only. This is available only for homes with electric heat as the main heat source.
• Customer must request an Insulation Application. Customer must complete application and include receipt of purchase (or receipt from installer with square footage and R Values installed) and return to the Mission Valley Power Pablo Office.
• Customer must give MVP at least 48 hour notice for insulation inspection (pictures of the completed job will be accepted).

• Mission Valley Power will credit the customer account for increasing insulation from R0 to a minimum R11 verified installed insulation in the above grade wall. The amount of credit shall be in the amount of $0.80 per square foot for qualified installed insulation added in the exterior wall cavity area.
• The amount of credit shall be the lesser of: 1) the amount shown above;  or 2) 75% of total  project cost.
• This program may be revised on October 1, 2010.

Ceiling Insulation

• Mission Valley Power wants to encourage homeowners to add insulation to the attic area of existing homes for greater energy savings and comfort. This program is not intended for new home construction. This program is for existing homes only. This is available only for homes with electric heat as the main heat source.
• Customer must request an Insulation Application. Customer must complete application and include receipt of purchase (or receipt from installer with square footage and R Values installed) and return to the Mission Valley Power Pablo Office.
• Customer must give MVP at least 48 hour notice for insulation inspection (pictures of the completed job will be accepted).

• Mission Valley Power will credit the customer account for increasing insulation from R-0 to a R-19 installed insulation in the amount of $0.75 per square foot for qualified installed insulation added in the attic area.
• Mission Valley Power will credit the customer account for increasing insulation from R-19 to a R-38 installed insulation in the amount of $0.25 per square foot for qualified installed insulation added in the attic area.
• Mission Valley Power will credit the customer account for increasing insulation from R-0 to a R-38 installed insulation in the amount of $1.00 per square foot for qualified installed insulation added in the attic area.
• The amount of credit shall be the lesser of: (1.) The amount shown above; or (2.) 75% of total  project cost.
• If insulation is to be added, make sure the ventilation is to the building code requirements for your area.
• This program may be revised on October 1, 2010.

Compact Fluorescent Lighting (CFL) Program

• Mission Valley Power wants to encourage consumers to switch from incandescent and halogen lights to compact fluorescent light bulbs, light fixtures and torchiere lamps.
• This program is for both new and existing homes.  Main heat source does not have to be electric.
• Customer must request and complete an Energy Star CFL & Light Fixture Application and include a copy of the Energy Star® label off the lighting package and include receipt of purchase. The customer must mail or bring the Energy Star CFL & Light Fixture Form, receipt of purchase and Energy Star® label(s) to the Mission Valley Power Pablo Office.
• MVP will credit the customer account in the amount of $2.50 per Energy Star® qualified compact fluorescent light bulb installed in MVP service area.
• MVP will credit the customer account in the amount of $10 per Energy Star® qualified light fixture installed in Mission Valley Power service area.
• This program may be revised on October 1, 2010.

Compact Fluorescent Light (CFL) Recycling

• Mission Valley power along with your local retailers in the MVP service area is sponsoring a compact fluorescent light bulb recycling effort. Just bring your used or burnt out compact fluorescent lights to any of the local retailers for recycling. The retailer will accept the used CFL bulbs, will package the bulbs in a sealed container and have the old CFL bulbs returned to a EPA certified recycling center. In the future look for your local retailers to start accepting 4’ and 8’ fluorescent light bulbs. This is intended for residential recycling applications only. This program is done at no cost to the customer.

Energy Star Manufactured Home Program

• Mission Valley Power wants to encourage homebuyers to purchase energy efficient electrically heated Energy Star® certified models of manufactured homes (the homes’ main heat source must be electric heat (wall mount heaters, central furnaces or heat pumps).
• Customer must request Energy Star® Manufactured Home & Sales Person Application. Customer needs to complete application and attach receipt of purchase, the state energy office Energy Star® certificate of compliance and return to the Mission Valley Power Pablo Office.
• Site verification will be required by Mission Valley Power.
• Mission Valley Power will pay or credit the customer account in the amount of $1,000 per Energy Star® qualified electrically heated manufactured home installed in the Mission Valley Power service area.
• Mission Valley Power will pay the sales person (not Dealers or Dealerships) $150 per Energy Star® qualified electrically heated manufactured home installed in the Mission Valley Power service area..
• MT State Tax Credit of 25% of energy efficient upgrades over the minimum HUD Codes, up to $500 may be available.
• This program may be revised on October 1, 2010.

Energy Star Home Program

• Mission Valley Power wants to encourage homeowners and building contractors to build site built homes to Energy Star Homes Northwest specifications a higher level of efficiency than MT State Energy Code, (the homes main heat source must be electric heat (zonal heaters or air source heat pumps).

Montana Energy Efficient Home Program (formerly MVP Energy Efficient Home)

• Mission Valley Power wants to encourage homebuilders and building contractors to build to MTEEH specifications for new home construction (higher level of efficiency than MT State Energy Code and Energy Star Homes. The home’s main heat source must be some form of electric heat (wall mount heaters, central furnace or heat pumps / secondary source can  be approved sealed combustion units.
• Customer must request MT-EEH Specifications and Building Agreement Application. Customer needs to bring home plans to Mission Valley Power Pablo Office and have the home plans qualified by MVP’s Conservation Technician before start of construction. Customer must fill out MTEEH building agreement and return to the Mission Valley Power Pablo Office.  Mission Valley Power will make inspections of the home during construction to make sure energy efficient home guidelines are followed and specifications are met.
• Site verification and inspections are required by Mission Valley Power.
• Starting October 1, 2009 Montana Energy Efficient site built homes built with Air Source Heat Pumps may see lower rebate levels, MT Energy Efficient Homes built with a Ground Source Heat Pumps will be eligible for a combined $4,500 rebate.
• Mission Valley Power will pay or credit the customer account a minimum amount of $1,500 and pay the builder $250 per qualified completed site built unit.
• MT State Tax credit of 25% of energy efficient upgrades above MT State Code up to $500 may be available.
• This program may be revised on October 1, 2010.

Shower Head Program

• Mission Valley Power wants to encourage customers to install energy efficient water saving showerheads. Customer may request a Shower Head Application and a Shower Head.  at MVP’s Pablo Office.
• Single Family units need to turn in an old showerhead to MVP’s Pablo Office and receive a new 1.5 or 2.0 gpm Earth Massage Shower Head.
• Multi Family units (4 units or more) need to turn in old showerheads to the MVP Pablo Office and receive a new 2.5 gpm Earth Massage Shower Head.
• Mission Valley Power will provide the showerhead(s) at no cost to the customer.
• This program may be revised on October 1, 2010.

Energy Audits and Advice

• Mission Valley Power wants to show consumers where energy savings can be achieved by installing energy efficient measures or lifestyles.  Energy efficient books and information can be picked up in the Mission Valley Power Pablo Office.  Requests can be made by phone for information and it will be mailed to the customer.  Mission Valley Power will be doing this by phone.  Energy audits are completed on residences and buildings only if emergencies exist.
• Mission Valley Power provides this service to the customer at no charge.
• This program has no ending timeline.

Windows

• Mission Valley Power wants to encourage homeowners to replace existing windows with premium Energy Star® rated windows for greater energy savings and comfort. This program is not intended for new construction. This program is only for existing residential home window replacements in homes whose main heating source is some form of electric heat.
• The minimum required U Value is < U=.300 or lower (the lower the U Value the higher the R value of the window, e.g., a U-Value of .29, .28, or .27 is better than .30).
• Customer needs to request a Window Application. Customer needs to complete window application, attach a copy of the window receipt with the window sizes and the NFRC labels from the windows and return to the Mission Valley Power Pablo Office.
• Mission Valley Power will credit the customer account in the amount of $6.00 per square foot for qualified installed windows in existing site built and manufactured homes, for retrofit applications only.
• This program may be revised on October 1, 2010.

Weatherization

• Mission Valley Power wants to encourage elderly and low-income individuals who qualify for fuel assistance to sign up for weatherization programs to lower their energy bills.

Tribal-SKHA Weatherization and State of Montana-HRDC Offices do the weatherizations of homes in Mission Valley Power service area.

Insulation

Should I insulate my home?

The answer is probably “yes” if you:

• Have an older home and haven’t added insulation.
• Are uncomfortably cold in the winter or hot in the summer. Adding insulation creates a more uniform temperature and increases comfort.
• Build a new home or addition, or install new siding or roofing.
• Pay excessive energy bills.
• Are bothered by noise form the outdoors.
• Are concerned about the effect of energy use on the environment.

First check the insulation in your attic, ceiling, exterior and basement walls, floors and crawl spaces too see if it meets the levels recommended for your area. Insulation is measured in R-values, the higher the R-value, the better your walls and roofs will resist the transfer of heat. The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) recommends ranges of R-values based on local heating and cooling costs and climate conditions in different areas of the nation.

Although insulation can be made from a variety of materials, it usually comes in four types – batts, rolls, loose-fill, and rigid foam boards. Each type is made to fit in a different

part of your house. Batts are made to fit between the studs in your walls or between the joists of your ceilings or floors. Batting is usually made of fiberglass or rock wool. Fiberglass is manufactured from sand and recycled glass, and rock wool is made from basaltic rock and recycled material from steel mill wastes. Rolls or blankets are also usually made of fiberglass and can be laid over the floor in the attic. Loose fill insulation, usually made of fiberglass, rock wool or cellulose, is blown into the attic or walls. Cellulose is usually made from recycled newsprint treated with fire-retardant chemicals.

Rigid foam boards are made of polyisocyanurate, extruded polystyrene (XPS or blue board), expanded Polystyrene (EPS or bead board), or other materials. These boards are lightweight, provide structural support, and generally have an R-value of 2 to 7 per inch. Rigid board insulation is made to be used in confined spaces such as exterior walls, basements, foundation and stem walls, concrete slabs, and cathedral ceilings.

The easiest and most cost effective way to insulate your home is to add insulation in the attic. To find out if you have enough attic insulation, measure the thickness of insulation. If there is less than R-22 (7 inches of fiberglass or rock wool or 6 inches of cellulose) you could probably benefit by adding more. Most U.S. homes should have between R-22 and R-49 insulation in the attic.

If your attic has ample insulation and your home still feels drafty and cold in the winter or too warm in the summer, chances are you need to add insulation to the exterior walls as well. This is a more expensive measure that usually requires a contractor, but it may be worth the cost if you live in a very hot or cold climate.

You may also need to add insulation to your crawl space. Either the walls or the floor above the crawl space should be insulated.

New Construction

For new construction or home additions, R-19 to R-28 insulation for exterior walls is recommended for most of the country. To meet this recommendation, most homes and additions constructed with 2 X 6 walls require a combination of wall cavity insulation, such as batting, and insulating sheathing, or rigid foam boards.

Weatherization

Warm air leaking into your home during the summer and out of your home during the winter can waste a substantial portion of your energy dollars. One of the quickest dollar saving tasks you can do is caulk, seal, and weather-strip all seams, cracks, and openings to the outside. You can save 10% or more on your energy bill by reducing air leaks in your home.

Sources of Air Leaks in your