Douglas County Energy Hub

 
Douglas County Energy Hub

Empowering Homes, Businesses, and Nonprofits with Energy Savings

What's the purpose of the Energy Hub?

There are many opportunities to save money on energy costs, improve comfort and indoor air quality, and reduce environmental impact through weatherization, energy efficiency , and renewable energy. This webpage is designed to connect Douglas County residents, businesses, and nonprofits with local financial incentives and tools to help make energy upgrades more attainable.

Douglas County Adapt logo

The Residential and Commercial Built Environment: A Key to Climate Action

Buildings account for 54% of greenhouse gas emissions in Douglas County. That’s why one of the first strategies in Adapt Douglas County—our community’s climate action and adaptation plan—is to prioritize energy conservation and cost savings.

By cutting energy use and adding clean energy, our community can make real progress in reducing greenhouse gas emissions—and save money while doing it.

Learn more about Adapt Douglas County and how your actions support community-wide climate solutions.

Weatherization improves your home or business by sealing air leaks, adding insulation, and upgrading windows and doors. This helps maintain comfortable temperatures year-round while reducing energy bills. The basics include weatherstripping around windows and doors, and adding new insulation to voids or areas where insulation has lost it's effectiveness. Federal, state, and local programs offer assistance; learn about them in the Incentive Programs section.

Energy efficiency upgrades help residents and businesses reduce energy use while maintaining or improving performance. These upgrades include energy-efficient appliances, smart thermostats, LED lighting, and HVAC improvements. Upgrading to LED lights can save 30% on utility bills. Determining how much electricity your appliances and home electronics use can help you understand how much money you spend using them. Learn how to estimate what it costs to operate your appliances with this tool.

Renewable energy sources, such as solar power, wind energy, and geothermal systems, help reduce reliance on fossil fuels and lower utility costs. Companies that install solar can be a great resource to get you started, and there are several companies in the county to choose from. Solar United Neighbors is a nonprofit dedicated to helping folks go solar. Check out their Solar Guide or help desk for personalized support. You can also find your solar roof's potential by simply entering your address into Project Sunroof.

Get Started Today!

Whether you’re looking for simple weatherization tips, funding for energy efficiency upgrades, or guidance on going solar, these resources will help you take the next step. Explore the links, learn about financial incentives that reduce upfront costs for upgrades, and start saving energy and money!

To find incentive programs for weatherization, energy efficiency, and renewable energy, try out the different drop-down filters to find programs applicable to you.

Announcement: Potential Expiration of Federal Energy Incentives

If you’re considering upgrades to your home or building, now may be the time to act. Federal incentives could be discontinued as early as the end of 2025.

We are actively monitoring proposed legislation and will update the Energy Hub as soon as more information is available.

Incentive Programs

To find specific incentive programs, use the dropdown filters. Note that only one filter can be used at a time.

--OR--

--OR--

Renters & Landlords: Energy Savings May Be Closer Than You Think
Many energy-saving programs apply to rental properties too—not just homes you own and live in. Whether you're a renter or a landlord, check out the available incentives to see what might work for you. Not sure what applies? Fill out the contact form below and share a few details about what you’re looking for—we’ll do our best to point you in the right direction.

Kansas Energy Efficiency Programs

Customer: ResidentialType: Energy Efficiency, WeatherizationEligibility: Kansas Evergy customersProvider:...

Weatherization Assistance Program

Customer: ResidentialType: WeatherizationEligibility: Income-qualifying Douglas County residentsProvider:...

Federal Energy Efficient Home Improvement Tax Credit

Customer: ResidentialType: Energy EfficiencyEligibility: HomeownersProvider: IRSSignificant tax-saving...

Residential Clean Energy Tax Credit

Customer: ResidentialType: Renewable EnergyEligibility: HomeownersProvider: IRSSignificant tax-saving...

The Home Efficiency Rebate Program (HER)

Coming SoonCustomer: ResidentialType: Renewable Energy, WeatherizationEligibility: Low-Moderate Income...

Energy Analyzer Tool

Customer: Small Business, ResidentialType: Energy EfficiencyEligibility: Kansas Evergy commercial...

The Home Electrification and Appliance Rebate (HEAR)

Coming SoonCustomer: ResidentialType: Renewable Energy, WeatherizationEligibility: Low-Moderate Income...

Clean Vehicle Tax Credits

Customer: Residential, Commercial, Small Business, NonprofitType: Electric and Hybrid VehiclesEligibility:...

Evergy Business Savings

Customer: CommercialType: Energy EfficiencyEligibility: Kansas Evergy commercial customersProvider:...

Small Business and Non-Profit Enhanced Incentives

Customer: Small Business, NonprofitType: Energy EfficiencyEligibility: Kansas Evergy commercial...

Kansas Energy Efficiency Revolving Loan Fund (EERLF)

Customer: Commercial, NonprofitType: Energy Efficiency, WeatherizationEligibility: An entity that owns or...

REAP (Rural Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy Programs)

Customer: CommercialType: Energy Efficiency, WeatherizationEligibility: Agricultural producers and rural small...

Kansas Energy Efficiency Revolving Loan Fund (EERLF)

Customer: CommercialType: Energy Efficiency, WeatherizationEligibility: An entity that owns or operates one of...

Investment Tax Credit and Production Tax Credit

Customer: Commercial, NonprofitType: Renewable EnergyEligibility: BusinessesProvider: IRSManufacturers and...

Elective Pay / Direct Pay

Customer: CommercialType: Renewable EnergyEligibility: Non-tax paying entitiesProvider: IRSAllows non-tax...

Energy-Efficient Commercial Buildings Deduction

Customer: CommercialType: Energy EfficiencyEligibility: Owners of qualified commercial buildings, designers of...

Solar and Battery Technical Assistance Fund

Customer: NonprofitType: Renewable EnergyEligibility: Community-serving entities. Examples include community...

Energy Efficient Home Tax Credit

Customer: CommercialType: Energy EfficiencyEligibility: Eligible contractorsProvider: Go to IRS SiteThe...
Douglas County Public Works building with solar panels
Douglas County Public Works building with solar panels

Resources

Incentives can be used together to maximize home improvement project savings

Many projects are eligible for multiple incentives. To maximize cost savings use, or “stack,” as many government incentives as they qualify for in their upgrade projects. Tax credits for energy efficiency and clean energy upgrades can often be stacked with other financial incentives, including state and local programs.

When government incentives are stacked, different program requirements must be considered and can impact the value of each credit. The federal government has published the following guidance on stacking tax credits and rebates. Check income eligibility and performance requirements as they can impact what can stack together.

8.6 kW Commercial Solar Installation in Emporia, Kansas

Installed in 2023, this solar panel system provides energy and financial savings. The business was assisted by The Rural Energy for America Program which gives rural businesses funding for such projects. They also benefitted from a 30% federal tax credit from the Inflation Reduction Act.

Go to Good Energy Solutions (external link)

Free tool to analyze your roof’s solar feasibility using Google Earth imagery. Just plug in your address! 

Go to Project Sunroof (external link)

Get a free electrification plan for your property whether you rent or own. 

This tool helps residents plan for building electrification.

Go to Rewiring America

 

Douglas County has an annual entrepreneurship competition for students!
Contestants compete for $3,000 in prize money. Let's see some of those green business ideas at the next one!

Go to Youth Entrepreneurship Challenge Page

The Douglas County Sustainability Office wants to hear from you! Were you able to find what you were looking for? Is there more information about energy savings that would be helpful to you? Let us know!

How was your experience using the Douglas County Energy Hub?