Top Trends for 2017 Incentive Programs
February 8, 2017
At the end of 2016, we predicted some of the changes that we anticipated for 2017 programs. Now that we’re into February, many utilities have rolled out their 2017 programs. Below I list the top three trends I am seeing with new programs.
1. LED incentive values are staying relatively the same. Although some programs are still finalizing their 2017 programs, for the most part it looks like LED incentives will stay relatively the same as 2016 levels. There haven’t been any dramatic increases or decreases to programs that we’ve seen thus far.
2. More TLED incentives. More programs have adopted TLEDs into their prescriptive programs in 2017. This was a big trend we saw last year, and one that appears to be continuing this year. Most programs are still favoring type A (use of existing fluorescent ballasts), or type C TLEDs (external drivers), but some are starting to accept type B (direct wire) as well.
3. Lower/less fluorescent incentives. One change we were expecting and have seen is the demise of fluorescent incentives. More utilities are starting to get rid of fluorescent incentives and are changing their baselines to high efficient fluorescent products. Given the number of utilities that ran out of funding in 2016, I advise you once again to take advantage of current rebate programs while funding is available. Don’t wait until the end of the year to do your projects or programs may be depleted.
