Spring is in the air and that means many folks are getting ready to cross things off the home improvement to-do list.
There are plenty of household projects the average do-it-yourselfer can handle, but some jobs are best left to licensed professionals. The employees at Clark Public Utilities know that just as well as anyone, which is why the utility maintains a Contractor Network listing qualified, experienced and credentialed contractors who are ready to help you with your home energy project needs.
To be eligible for the network, contractors must meet the utility’s high standard of customer service, stay up-to-date on the utility’s current incentives and rebates, while also maintaining all essential bonds, licenses, insurance and professional credentials their fields require. Plus, the utility requires all participating in the Contractor Network to follow current public health guidelines recommended by the Washington Department of Health and the CDC.
“Contractors who request to join our network must provide certain information about their company and sign an agreement with the utility,” Energy Services Supervisor DuWayne Dunham said. “Once they’re in, we expect them to stay well-informed about our energy efficiency programs, rebates and the latest products offered on the market, so they can share this information with our customers.”
The utility offers generous financial incentives across a wide range of energy efficiency-related products and services. Each incentive program has specific qualifications that must be met in order to receive a rebate. That’s why the work must be done by a contractor participating in the Contractor Network.
“In addition to meeting all building codes and requirements, the contractors in our network agree to treat our customers right,” Dunham said. “The terms require they give our customers free, no-pressure bids, to finish the work on a reasonable timeline and ensures they’ll be easy to contact with questions or concerns.”
Plus, the contractors are required and trained to handle the paperwork related to utility programs. When the time comes, all the homeowner has to do is sign on the bottom line.
Right now, there are many financial incentives homeowners may qualify for, several of which have been increased within the last year or two to offer even greater savings. What’s right for you and best for your home will depend on your home’s unique profile.
Whether you’re thinking about a new water heater, installing new windows, upgrading your home climate system to a heat pump, installing solar panels or any other number of projects – there’s likely a program to fit your needs. Visit ClarkPublicUtilities.com to learn what’s available.
If you know you want to lower your energy bill and increase personal comfort, but aren’t sure where to begin, call an energy counselor to triage your to-do list before calling for contractor bids. A utility energy counselor can walk you through your home’s characteristics and offer suggestions for the best place to start that will leave you feeling more confident and informed about your plans. The Energy Counselor of the Day is available during business hours Monday through Friday at 360-992-3355.
The contractor network isn’t an endorsement, recommendation or warranty. It’s simply a list of contractors who have met the standards to represent the utility’s programs and guide customers through the rebate process. Customers should always solicit more than one bid, ideally three, and do their own research into a contractor’s background before beginning a project.
Energy Adviser is written by Clark Public Utilities. Send questions to ecod@clarkpud.com or to Energy Adviser, c/o Clark Public Utilities, P.O. Box 8900, Vancouver, WA 98688.
