Energy - Climate and Emissions

Go Electric

Choosing electric options for homes and other buildings helps reduce greenhouse gas emissions and creates a cleaner environment. A 2019 report from the American Council for an Energy-Efficient Economy found that energy efficiency measures alone could cut U.S. emissions by a remarkable 50%.

• Lincoln Electric System's Sustainable Energy Program (SEP) provides financial incentives to encourage residential and business customers to make energy-efficiency improvements. Learn more about what kinds of financial incentives are available to you.
• Lincoln homeowners who have low-to-moderate income are eligible for a $3,000 City of Lincoln-funded Heat Pump Incentive toward the purchase of an air source heat pump. This can also be combined with an $800 incentive from LES' Sustainable Energy Program.
• Through the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) of 2022, homeowners can save up to $3,200 annually on taxes for energy-efficient upgrades through 2032. Homeowners can also take advantage of the Residential Clean Energy credit, which provides a 30 percent income tax credit for clean energy equipment, such as rooftop solar, wind energy, geothermal heat pumps, and battery storage. Learn more about what upgrades are eligible, how tax credits work for homeowners, and how to claim the credits by visiting Energy Star's Federal Tax Credits for Energy Efficiency website.
• Use the IRA Savings Calculator to determine how much money can be saved with free incentives and tax credits when electrifying appliances and vehicles or adopting clean home energy.

Improve the Energy Efficiency of Your Home

When considering energy changes in your home, consider upgrading your appliances to be more efficient, installing LED light bulbs or smart thermostats, sealing foundation cracks, caulking or weatherstripping around doors and windows, and having a professional check the attic and walls for adequate insulation levels. These upgrades not only help conserve energy but also save money. Simple actions like turning off lights, unplugging appliances, limiting laundry loads, and minimizing heating and cooling can also help conserve energy.

• Review the EPA's ENERGY STAR Home Upgrade, a set of six high-impact improvements that work together to deliver significant energy and cost savings by addressing the biggest energy users in most homes. Designed to work together to deliver significant energy and cost savings, these upgrades can also help you transition from fossil fuels for a cleaner, healthier and more comfortable home. Choose the improvements that make the most sense for your home and implement them at your own pace.
• Enter your zip code into the EPA's Home Improvement Savings tool to identify utility rebates, federal income tax credits, IRA state rebates for home efficiency improvements, all based on your location. it is a helpful resource that includes energy efficiency incentives, buying guidance, information on eligible products, and links to local retailers and installers.
• Enroll in LES Peak Rewards to help your community manage energy more efficiently and receive a one-time $25 gift card per eligible thermostat.

Install or Purchase Renewable Energy

If you have the capability, consider installing solar panels on your roof or participating in community solar through LES.

• LES has multiple programs to support and expand opportunities for renewable energy, including a Virtual Net Metering Solar Program, Sunshares, and Renewable Energy Certificates.
• Black Hills' Green Forward program offers an easy, cost-effective, and flexible way to address the carbon footprint from your natural gas use. For as little as $5 per month, you can join the community contributing to a more sustainable future.