Energy efficient windows provide many benefits to consumers and businesses, such as increased comfort and lower utility bills. One obstacle to achieving those benefits can be the cost of installing high performance fenestration products in a new or existing building. But, special programs offered by utility companies can make the purchase more affordable.

Steve Rosenstock, P.E., NFRC board member and manager of energy solutions with the Edison Electric Institute (EEI), explains that there has been a renewed interest in efficiency programs in the past few years as energy prices have increased. In terms of utilities, there has been an increase in the number and dollar amount of incentives offered in most cases, he explains.

In the past, customers tended to prefer equipment incentives, because usually it did not involve purchasing energy simulation software and they likely were doing one equipment project at a time, says Rosenstock. The most popular programs he’s seen involve equipment incentives, but energy efficiency incentives can take various forms. “Some of the utilities take a whole building approach,” he explains.

Some utilities offer incentives for energy efficient fenestration products, either for new construction or retrofits, depending on the aggressiveness of each program, says Rosenstock.

This spring, EEI updated its list of member and non-member incentive programs. The publication, which is a representative sample of incentive programs offered by investor-owned utilities, is called “Highlights of EEI Member and Non-Member Residential/Commercial/Industrial Efficiency and Demand Response Programs for 2008.” It is available online at no charge here.

Rosenstock also recommends visiting the Database for State Incentives for Renewables and Efficiency at www.dsireUSA.org. The Web site – administered by the North Carolina Solar Center and the Interstate Renewable Energy Council and funded by the U.S. Department of Energy – allows users to search for government and utility incentive programs at no cost.

The Efficient Windows Collaborative also maintains a list of utilities and states that offer residential and commercial incentive programs for efficient windows. To access the list, click here. These programs can take many forms. For example, some programs offer rebates on ENERGY STAR®-rated windows, or window films and treatments (e.g., sunscreens), while others offer free energy audits, weatherization assistance, or no-interest loans for qualified windows.

According to Rosenstock, budget constraints can limit the funds available for incentive programs in some states. “The earlier that people apply, the better,” he says. He also suggests searching for programs offered by local governments.