How Smart

 

How$mart® provides money for energy efficiency improvements such as insulation, air sealing, new heating and cooling systems, and commercial lighting. Participating customers repay the funds through energy savings on their monthly Midwest Energy bills.

Homeowners, tenants, landlords, and commercial businesses can all benefit from the program.

How$mart® is a program available to Midwest Energy customers in good standing and current on utility payments.

How Smart

A monthly How$mart® surcharge covers the cost of qualifying improvements, and the surcharge is estimated to be less than the projected savings. Additionally, the How$mart® surcharge is tied to the location. If you move or sell the property, the next customer pays the surcharge, but full disclosure is required. The How$mart® principal balance can be paid ‘in full’ with no penalty for early payoff.

Participating customers must start with an energy audit to determine potential savings. Midwest Energy will develop a conservation plan with recommended improvements. Customers may choose the contractor to complete the work. Contractors must sign a Contractor Master Agreement.  Landlords and tenants must be in agreement to participate in the How$mart®program.

Frequently Asked Questions About How$mart®

  • Who can use How$mart®?

    The program is available to Midwest Energy customers in good standing and current on utility payments. Homeowners, tenant, and landlords can all benefit from the program.

  • How do I get started?

    An energy audit is the first step in making your home more energy efficient. Call Midwest Energy to schedule your How$mart® home energy audit.

  • Is there a charge for the audit?

    There is no charge when the customer participates in the program. Midwest Energy may charge for the audit if the program isn’t used for the recommended improvements.

  • What is involved in an audit?

    An audit may include duct testing, blower door tests, infrared scans, insulation inspections, combustion checks, and heating and cooling-ventilation system (HVAC) size calculations.

  • Who performs the work to make the efficiency improvements?

    Customers choose the contractor to complete the work. Midwest Energy maintains a list of participating contractors but does not recommend any particular contractor.

Simple steps toward energy efficiency…

  • 1. Schedule a How$mart audit to assess how much energy your home uses and what measures you can take to improve efficiency.

    How$mart® provides money for energy efficiency improvements such as insulation, air sealing and new heating & cooling systems (HVAC). Participating customers pay back the investment through energy savings on their monthly utility bills. The surcharge will always be less than the estimated savings.

  • 2. The Midwest Energy auditor will provide you a report of recommendations. You or your contractor complete the recommended improvements.
  • 3. Your completed improvements are evaluated by the auditor. Agreements between you and Midwest Energy are signed.
    The surcharge is then added to your utility account.
  • 4. Enjoy your energy savings!