Energy Efficiency Tips

Scam Alerts

There are many products available for purchase on the internet that claim to reduce your electrical usage. Before you purchase anything, please be sure to research the claims of the energy saving product. The most common so-called energy saving device would address the power factor in your home. SWCE’s single phase rate only bills member for the kilowatt hours used or the real power. Power factor correction devices improved the reactive component of power, (VARs), which does next to nothing to change the amount of energy you are billed on each month.

Residential Rebates

Looking to update your home and lower your electric bill at the same time? Learn more about maximizing your energy dollar.

Equipment Rebates: see table below; go to www.energystar.gov to check the model numbers of qualifying products.

Rebate Forms: Complete the equipment form below and submit it with a copy of your original receipt and photo to rebates@swce.coop or mail to: SWCE, PO Box 485, Owatonna, MN 55060.

Residential Rebate Handout 2026 (summary of all rebates)

- - Appliances (Washer/Dryer/Dishwasher/Refrigerator/Freezer/Stove)
  - Building Products – Retrofit (Exterior Door/Window/Insulation)
  - Electrification (Battery Sporting Goods/Small Appliances/Electronics)
  - Electric Yard Equipment (Electric mowers/robotic mowers/leaf blower/chainsaw/hedge trimmer/snowblower)
  - Heating and Cooling (Ductless ASHP/Central Air & ASHP Tune Up/GSHP/Window Air Conditioner)
  - Heating & Cooling for Qualified Installers (QI) (Ducted ASHP or Central Air Conditioners only)
    - Qualified Installer List – SWCE Area (PDF as of 9-30-25) or weblink
    - HVAC installers can re-order rebate forms by using the HVAC Re-order Rebate Form
  - Lighting (LED Yard Fixture; 41-119 W)
  - Pool Pump
  - Smart Thermostat
  - ASHP Water Heater
  - ChargeWise EV Charger (Up to $500 rebate). Click here for the schematic to wire in the meter socket for a time-of-use meter for an electric car.

Terms & Conditions:

Rebated amount cannot exceed half the equipment cost. Equipment installations must meet the minimum efficiency requirements to qualify for a rebate. Rebates are only for products on the current list of ENERGY STAR® rated products as the date of purchase. To verify ENERGY STAR® certification, visit www.energystar.gov. Due to limited funding, this rebate offer can be withdrawn at any time without notice. Applications will be processed on a first-come, first-served basis. Limit 1 per member account of the same item for Yard Tools and Small Appliances per year. Limit 2 electric bikes per member account per year. Include a final, detailed copy of the original sales receipt, completed rebate form and photo. All rebated equipment is subject to SWCE inspection/verification.

Controlled Water Heater Program – Aquanta

If your existing water heater is in need of replacement consider replacing it with a new energy-efficient electric water heater from SWCE. We offer a FREE HTP water heater along with a monthly credit to any SWCE member who enrolls in our Aquanta load management program. For more information see controlled Water Heater Program.

Controlled Wifi Thermostat Program – Own Your Power

Own Your Power is a control program for home wifi smart thermostats. Certain Ecobee/Honeywell/Nest wifi thermostats qualify. See if your thermostat qualifies and sign up here. Receive a $50 sign up bill credit and $25/season bill credit.

Controlled Dual Fuel Program

If your residence is mainly heated using electric heat, air source or ground source heat pumps, SWCE can help reduce the cost of operation when you join SWCE load management program. Controllable electric heating sources can qualify for a reduced electrical rate provided a backup heat source is available. See the Controlled Dual Fuel Program Brochure for more information.

Curtailment and Interruptible Program

For agriculture, commercial and industrial accounts with monthly demand greater than 50 kW, SWCE has load management program rates that can significantly lower your overall electric rate. SWCE’s Interruptible and Curtailment program requires accounts to shed at least 50 kW of their load during peak usage time throughout the year when called upon. Those accounts would either curtail their usage or use generator back-up as the main power source during the control period. See the Curtailment and Interruptible Program Rules for more information contact the SWCE Operations Division.

Commercial, Industrial & Ag (CI&A) Rebates

For agriculture, commercial and industrial members, SWCE offers customizable rebate programs for motors, lighting and other energy efficient technologies. Contact SWCE at rebates@swce.coop to learn more about the assistance we can provide when retrofitting or installing new energy efficient technology.

Terms & Conditions:

Rebated amount cannot exceed half the equipment cost. Equipment installations must meet the minimum efficiency requirements to qualify for a rebate. Rebates are only for products on the current list of ENERGY STAR® rated products as the date of purchase. To verify ENERGY STAR® certification, visit www.energystar.gov. Due to limited funding, this rebate offer can be withdrawn at any time without notice. Applications will be processed on a first-come, first-served basis. Include a final, detailed copy of the original sales receipt, completed rebate form and photo. All rebated equipment is subject to SWCE inspection/verification.