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Fuel for Thought National Fuel

Frequently Asked Questions.



Q: Why has National Fuel launched this program?
A:
As part of our request to re-design and raise Delivery Service Charges beginning in 2008, we also proposed the CIP, which represents a substantial commitment to running extensive programs promoting the benefits of conservation through education, rebate offers and targeted low-income initiatives. Go back to top


Q: What equipment qualifies?
A:
Click here for rebates available on equipment installed between January 1, 2016 and December 31, 2016.
Click here for rebates available on equipment installed on or after January 1, 2017.

Q: What do I need to receive my rebate?
A:
Residential customers, please see the chart below. Non-residential customers must call C.J. Brown Energy at
1-844-365-3493 to receive an energy-use analysis, which will then be used to develop their customized rebate.

Purchased item Required documentation
Furnace, Boiler, indirect water heater and programmable thermostat*

*in conjunction with a furnace or boiler replacement only. UPC(bar code) label from the package (only ENERGY STAR®-rated models qualify)
 
  • Paid invoice or receipt(s) indicating the Retailer/Contractor name, Federal ID number, or a Certificate of Insurance or a Business Certificate showing their company's name and address.

  • Itemized description of each product, including:
  1. Manufacturer, and complete model number.
  2. Energy Factor (EF) for natural gas water heaters (applicable to Years One and Two only).
  3. AFUE (efficiency) rating for natural gas furnace or boiler.
  • Product installation date.


Q: When does the rebate program expire?
A:
The tenth year of the program has been approved for approximately one year, and funded to a set amount. We expect to issue rebates through this winter and spring, and if funds are still available, through the summer. If the funding runs out before then, we'll have to close the program. Go back to top


Q: Do appliances installed in a new-build qualify?
A:
No, only replacement of existing appliances, with new energy-efficient appliances, qualifies for a rebate. The goal of the program is to help people improve the efficiency of the equipment they currently operate. Go back to top


Q: Why is there a surcharge associated with this program?
A:
The surcharge is like any other program included in our rate structure. This is built in to the delivery service portion of the bill. Ultimately, the CIP is designed to encourage customers to upgrade inefficient or old equipment. This is part of a statewide effort to reduce consumption overall and restore balance to the marketplace, which will hopefully result in lower natural gas prices. Go back to top


Q: Can anyone apply? Am I only eligible to receive one CIP rebate?
A:
There are no income or usage requirements required for residential customers applying for a rebate. Customers are also eligible for an unlimited number of rebates. For example, if you are a landlord and own a property with two water heaters, and you would like to upgrade both, you can apply for rebates on both. Commercial customers whose facilities use 12,000 Mcf (thousand cubic feet) or less per year may apply for a rebate. Go back to top


Q: What if I purchased my equipment, but have not installed it yet? Am I eligible for rebates?
A:
Rebates for all equipment will be processed based on the date of purchase and installation. Once installation is complete, the application for rebate can be processed. For example if you purchase equipment in 2015 and install the equipment in 2016, your rebate will be based on 2016’s rebate offering. Remember to make sure you save all of your documentation. Go back to top


Q: Do I have to buy a specific brand of furnace or water heater, or use a certain contractor?
A:
No. There is not a specific brand of furnace or water heater, or contractor mandated for the program. However, contractors must be able to supply one of the following: Federal ID number, a Certificate of Insurance or a Business Certificate showing their company's name and address. Installed equipment must meet the required minimum efficiency levels. Go back to top


Q: Am I eligible for a rebate if I am a CHOICE customer and purchase my gas from a marketer? National Fuel delivers my fuel, but the fuel itself is supplied by another company. Am I still eligible for your CIP rebate?
A:
Yes, rebates are available for customers in National Fuel's western New York service area, regardless of which company provides gas supplies to the customer. Yes, customers of any of the approved marketers are eligible for the rebates. Approved marketers include:

  • Agway Energy Services
  • Crown Energy Services, Inc.
  • Direct Energy Services, LLC
  • Econnergy Energy Company, Inc.
  • Energy Cooperative of New York, Inc.
  • Hudson Energy Services, LLC
  • IDT Energy, Inc.
  • Intelligent Energy
  • Mirabito Gas & Electric
  • MX Energy, Inc.
  • National Fuel Resources, Inc.
  • NOCO Natural Gas, LLC
  • U.S. Gas & Electric, Inc.
  • U.S. Energy Savings Corp.
  • Vectren Retail, LLC
  • Village of Hamburg Municipal Gas Utility
  • Village of Sloan
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Q: Am I eligible for rebates if I install the equipment myself?
A:
A contractor MUST install all equipment, including the Energy Star®-rated programmable thermostat. Contractors must be able to supply one of the following: Federal ID number, a Certificate of Insurance or a Business Certificate showing their company's name and address in order for the rebate application to be considered Go back to top


Q: I still have questions that I can't find answers to on this Web site. Who can I talk to?
A:
Click Contact Us for phone numbers. Go back to top