Utility Incentives Resource Center
Welcome to the Utility Incentives and Rebates Resource Center, where we keep you current on everything incentives-related—from new programs to active programs, to news and insights. Visit here to maintain a consistent pulse on the utility incentives landscape.
The Current Incentives Landscape
Rebates for fluorescent-to-LED lighting retrofits in 2025 remain steady but will see big changes by 2026 as many of these programs phase out for good. These rebates often cover 10-20% of project costs, strengthening your ROI. Our advice? Take advantage while you can.
Xcel Energy Minnesota has announced a robust LED-to-LED bonus—the first of its kind with 25% rebates on invoices throughout most of the year. Smart building controls and heat pumps are also taking the spotlight for compelling bonus incentives programs. These incentives are just the beginning.
Limited-Time Bonus Rebate Programs
Xcel Energy (MN)
Xcel Energy is extending several bonus rebate opportunities for projects completed by Dec. 4, 2026. Fluorescent lamp bans are in full effect in Minnesota, so this may be your last opportunity to reduce project costs.
- Up to 25% bonus rebates on interior and exterior lighting.
- Double rebates on LED tubes and an extra 50% on screw-in lamps.
- New 25% LED-to-LED Business lighting bonus on invoices dated Jan. 1, 2025 – Oct. 30, 2026.
- Invoices between April 1, 2024 and Oct. 30, 2026, qualify.
- Submit applications by Dec. 4, 2026.
Heat Pumps
- You get the same comfort as traditional RTUs.
- Dual fuel models have natural gas redundancy for continued operations whatever the climate.
- They move heat rather than generate it, netting you annual energy cost savings of 10-20%
Current Trends
Energy Rates are Rising
Keeping operating costs low while energy prices soar is no easy task. Electricity rates are rising faster than ever and show no signs of slowing, amounting to hundreds of thousands of dollars in annual energy costs for enterprise-level business. The good news? With smart energy management, you can absolutely hedge the negative impact of skyrocketing energy prices on your business.
Read the Latest: Combatting Rising Electricity Rates: A Guide for Enterprise-Level Businesses
Download the Infographic: Energy Rate Drivers
Rebate Levels Remain Strong in Select Areas
The Highest Rebate Amounts realized by our customers in the past year have been in the following areas:
- New Jersey
- Maryland
- Colorado
- New Hampshire
- Washington State
Rebate levels remain strong in these areas, exceeding 20% of project costs. Some of these (New Jersey, New Hampshire and Colorado) experienced funding shortfalls at some point in 2024, highlighting the importance of securing pre-approvals to lock in rebate commitments.
Fluorescent-to-LED Programs are Phasing Out Nationwide
Fluorescent-to-LED programs are phasing out across multiple states. For example, Massachusetts and Oregon have already closed or reserved budgets for their final year and markets like Upstate New York, Illinois, Michigan and Georgia are likely to see major changes by 2026.
Evaluating and executing your project now ensures access to existing incentives before they disappear.
Smart Building Control (SBC) Incentives are Taking Center Stage
SBC rebates are transforming energy efficiency projects by covering a substantial portion of costs, often 40-60%, with some projects reaching total coverage when combined with other upgrades. These incentives are especially beneficial for:
- Reducing energy use immediately while improving operational efficiency.
- Facilitating long-term cost savings through more efficient energy management.
Top regions for these programs include:
- Massachusetts
- Chicago
- Michigan
- Seattle area
Incentives On the Horizon
Heat Pump Rooftop Unit rebates are a hot opportunity, projected to cover 50-80% of the cost to replace conventional packaged rooftop units. Sponsoring utilities have assured us they have ample budget to support large-scale rollouts of this offer and are willing to provide a commitment letter to assure the funds to support the projects. Where heat pumps were not ideal for businesses operating in cold-weather climates, utilities are now making allowances for natural gas backups, effectively eliminating risk of disruption.
Top regions for heat pump rebates include:
- Massachusetts
- Connecticut
- Vermont
- Maine
- Denver, CO
EMC's Expertise in Navigating Incentives
As part of our turnkey approach to energy management, we’ll help you fully capitalize on utility incentive programs. Here’s how:
- Eligibility Assessment: We evaluate your project to determine which rebates and incentives you qualify for.
- Pre-Approvals: Our team secures pre-approvals and ensures rebate commitments are locked in.
- Utility Partnerships: We work with utilities on your behalf to determine your expected incentive level.
- Full Project Support: From design and logistics to installation and service, we manage every phase of the process to guarantee results.
- Paperwork and Compliance: We handle the complex documentation required to secure your incentives.
A Message from the EMC Incentives Team
The future of lighting and controls incentives looks bright, with new developments emerging at breakneck speed. My dedicated incentives team monitors the latest trends and will update you here for your convenience. You don’t have to go it alone.
Get Your Incentives
Don’t leave money on the table! Time and incentive budgets are limited. If you don’t have a plan, contact us and we’ll do the heavy lifting.