Programs & Efficiency

To offset the cost of providing electric service to rural areas in Monroe, Randolph and St. Clair counties, MCEC offers cost-saving alternatives to its members. Monroe County Electric Cooperative has one of the state’s most comprehensive energy marketing programs.

Federal Income Tax Credits for Efficiency Upgrades

The Inflation Reduction Act has introduced an unprecedented suite of direct rebates and tax credits for residential electrification and efficiency (up to $14,000 per home). Tax credits covering 30% of the project costs will be available for qualifying improvements to your primary residence through 2032.

Please note: Due to changes introduced in the One Big Beautiful Bill Act (OBBBA), many of these clean energy tax credits, including those for home improvements and electric vehicles, are currently expired after December 31, 2025. The EV tax credit expired earlier, on September 30, 2025.

To explore what’s currently available, visit the U.S Department of Energy’s Energy Savings Hub for the most up-to-date information on tax credits and rebates.

Equipment You can claim (%) Max. Amount Credited More Info Note
Air Source Heat Pump 30% $2,000 Tax Credit Information  Ducted: EER2 > 10                             
Ductless (mini-splits): SEER2 > 16, EER2 > 9, HSPF2 > 9.5 
Heat Pump Water Heaters 30% $2,000 Tax Credit Information Must be ENERGY STAR certified
Biomass Stoves/Boilers 30% $2,000 Tax Credit Information

Must have a thermal efficiency rating of at least 75%.

Windows & Skylights 30% $600 Tax Credit Information Must meet the Energy Star Most Efficient criteria to be eligible.
Exterior Doors 30% $500 ($250/door) Tax Credit Information Must meet the Energy Star Most Efficient criteria to be eligible.
Insulation 30% $1,200 Tax Credit Information

Typical bulk insulation products can qualify, such as batts, rolls, blow-in fibers, rigid boards, expanding spray, and pour-in-place.

Products that air seal (reduce air leaks) can also qualify, as long as they come with a Manufacturers Certification Statement, including:

  • Weather stripping
  • Spray foam in a can, designed to air seal
  • Caulk designed to air seal
  • House wrap
Water Heaters (Natural Gas, Oil, Propane) 30% $600  Tax Credit Information Gas > 0.81 UEF for tanks less than 55 gallons and >0.86 for tanks greater than or equal to 55 gallons.  Tankless Gas >0.95 UEF
Furnaces 30% $600 Tax Credit Information

Gas furnace with AFUE >97%, Oil Furnace, fuel blends at least 20% of the volume of which consists of biodiesel, renewable diesel, or second generation biofuel. Must be an existing home & your principal residence. New construction and rentals do not apply.

Boilers  30% $600 Tax Credit Information ENERGY STAR certified gas boilers with AFUE > 95% are eligible.
Central Air Conditioners 30% $600 Tax Credit Information SEER2 > 16 is eligible
Electric Panel Upgrade 30% $600 Tax Credit Information Any improvement to, or replacement of, a panelboard, sub-panelboard, branch circuits, or feeders.  Load capacity =>200 amps and in conjunction with additional energy efficiency improvements .
Home Energy Audit  30% $150 Tax Credit Information Must be conducted and prepared by a certified home energy auditor.  TCEC home energy evaluations are not eligible for this tax credit.  
Geothermal Heat Pumps 30% ———— Tax Credit Information Must be Energy Star certified
Small Wind Turbines  30% ———— Tax Credit Information Residential
Solar Energy Systems 30% ————- Tax Credit Information Includes solar water heaters and solar panels. Must provide electricity to residence.
Fuel Cells 30% $500/ half (kW) of power capacity Tax Credit Information Nameplate capacity of at least 0.5 kW of electricity using an electrochemical process and an electricity-only generation efficiency greater than 30%.
Battery Storage Technology 30%   Tax Credit Information

Must have a capacity of not less than 3 kilowatt hours.

Capital Credits

As a nonprofit corporation, MCEC sells no stock, declares no dividends, and all excess revenue over expenses (net margins) are returned to the members of the cooperative. This is called Capital Credits. Each year, this net margin – or Capital Credit – is credited to the capital account of each member in proportion to the amount of electric power purchased at such times as the financial condition of MCEC permits. 

Water Heaters

The cooperative sells Marathon water heaters, which feature a lifetime warranty on the tank and a 6 year warranty on parts and labor. Two sizes are available:

  • 50 gallon – call office for pricing (939-7171)
  • 85 gallon – call office for pricing (939-7171)

Stand-By Generator

Monroe County Electric promotes the Briggs & Stratton Home Generator System line of standby and emergency generators. Briggs & Stratton is one of the leading and most well known names in small engines. Residential generators are available from 8 kW to 20 kW and higher, and can be operated on natural gas or propane.

These units are available with transfer switches that automatically start the unit and transfer to standby power in the event of a power outage. When utility service is restored, the transfer switch switches back to utility power and shuts down the generator.

The Briggs & Stratton product line was chosen for its long history in the small engine business and its commitment to a quality line of products at reasonable prices. By choosing Briggs & Stratton, we have a product that has proven reliability and a manufacturer that will be around for a long time to come.

 

Certified Comfort Home

Monroe County Electric Cooperative understands that building a new home can be a very stress-filled time in one’s life. To help new home builders in our area, MCEC offers a guide to energy efficient construction standards – Certified Comfort Home. This booklet is filled with tips to build a home with the lowest energy consumption possible while ensuring your comfort level will be at the highest possible level. For a copy, contact MCEC.