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EWKC

Learn more about Financing Incentives (.pdf) | EWKC Historical Review Form | Fuel Release Form - Authorization to Release Account Information

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HPWES

The Home Performance with Energy Star (HPWES) program is a collaboration between Missouri Gas Energy, Kansas City Power & Light, and the Metropolitan Energy Center (MEC). The program is sponsored by the Missouri Department of Natural Resources (MoDNR) and is part of the government’s ENERGY STAR program.

The rebate portion of the HPWES program is only for residents of Missouri, but HPWES contractors also work in Kansas and Nebraska. Homeowners can qualify for up to $1,200 in utility bill credits if they get an energy audit and then install certain qualifying improvements in their homes. To see what home improvements qualify or how the program works for homeowners, see the Rebate Application.

Initially, this was a voluntary program using the MoDNR and ENERGY STAR guidelines. Auditors were certified through the MEC and offered comprehensive energy audits utilizing the "whole-house" approach, and contractors reported these early HPWES audits on a voluntary basis. By the fall of 2009, both MGE and KCP&L began offering financial assistance for audits and qualifying work through the HPWES program in order to offset homeowners' costs and increase participation.

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The HPWES contractor network holds several meetings each year. Topics include changes to the HPWES program, training, and upcoming energy efficiency-related programs.

NEW CHANGES TO HPWES

On January 21st, 2011, the HPWES program changed its rebate structure to encourage higher energy savings. While homeowners can still receive up to $1200 total, the program is shifting towards more performance-based criteria. Also, participating contractors are now required to pass a background check, provide proof of liability and auto insurance, and sign the Participation Agreement.

MARCH 9TH, 2011

On March 9th, 2011, a bi-monthly meeting for HPwES contractors was held. Topics included branding and other related energy efficiency programs. The meeting's presentation can be downloaded (pdf).

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In order to join the HPWES contractor network, auditors must meet the following criteria (Click Here to Print Requirements Checklist):

• Must be certified as a Building Analyst Professional from the Building Performance Institute (BPI).
  
  Note - Homeowners can release their utility bill credits over to contractors. This way homeowners can minimize upfront costs associated with participating in the program. However any contractor wanting to receive "Payment Release" checks from the utilities through the HPWES program, must complete background checks for all staff entering homes as part of the program. This includes assistants and installers.
  
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Interested contractors must meet the criteria listed in the Requirements section in order to be on the "HPWES Contractor List" as a certified contractor.

In addition, new contractors to the HPWES network must complete the following:

• Attend an orientation with the MEC about the Midwest HPWES program and guidelines for participation.
  
  
• Receive mentoring by the MEC on the first three HPwES audits that the contractor evaluates and on which recommended home improvement services are rendered, and receive a positive evaluation from the MEC on all three mentoring sessions.
  
  

For more information on how to become a certified contractor, please contact the MEC.

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The background check disclosure and application forms (see below) must be filled out and submitted as a PDF to mec-confidential@kcenergy.org. All information that contractors submit to the MEC will be kept confidential. The background check is mandatory for participating auditors and any other contractor wanting to participate in "Payment Release." See the Requirements section for more information.

HPwES Auditor Introduction and Requirements

Background Check Disclosure Form

Background Check Application

Summary of Rights (Information on the background check process)

Notice to Users (Information on the background check process)

New HPWES Participation Agreement
(Last updated 3/14/2012)
(Must be signed and submitted to the MEC in order to participate)

Home Performance Assessment (HPA) Summary Report
(Last updated 1/23/2011)

DIY Rebate Request Form
(This form is for homeowners who choose to install the qualifying improvements themselves. Last updated 1/23/2011)

HPWES Post Audit Form
(This form reflects the changes to the HPWES rebate structure. Last updated 1/23/2011)

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