Category: Blog

Utah Program Changes — September 2026

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The following are proposed program changes for Rocky Mountain Power Wattsmart® Business Utah incentives. Pending program approval, these will go into effect September 21, 2026.

Summary of changes

Several offerings are being moved from the Downstream category to the Midstream category. Review the current updates below and see where offerings are now categorized.

Downstream
Lighting

Small and Medium Business Express (SMBE) and Lighting Express

  • Controls Only – This category is added for interior and exterior lighting.
  • Additional Controls for Exterior – Plug-and-play controls-ready, basic dimming and advanced networked dimming controls are now available for exterior lighting.

Want to know if you qualify under the SMBE program? Contact us!

Retrofits Only – Lighting

Flexible (Formerly Non-Prescriptive)

  • Category Name Change – All non-prescriptive offerings are now referred to as Flexible offerings.
  • Basic Controls – This offering is no longer available.
  • Commissioning and Controls Only – These incentives have decreased to align with current market pricing.
Food Service

Most Food Service offerings are moving to the Midstream program.

Appliances

Commercial Heat Pump Water Heaters are moving to the Midstream program.

Midstream
Lighting
  • Lamp Replacements Only (Existing Midstream Offering) – TLED and HID categories have wattage requirements updates. Additional incentive changes are in effect, and reflector lamp incentives are no longer available.
  • Fixture Replacements (New to Midstream) – Fixture replacements across multiple categories have been added and now include control tiers.
HVAC
  • Unitary Commercial AC (Existing Midstream Offering) – Incentive changes are in effect.
  • ECM Circulator Pumps (New to Midstream) – ECM circulator pumps up to 3.5 HP in hydronic heating applications are introduced exclusively in Midstream, and both customer and distributor incentives are available.
Water Heating - New
  • Commercial Heat Pump Water Heaters – Offerings in this category are now exclusive to Midstream, and incentives are available for both the customer and the distributor.
  • Electronically Commutated Motor (ECM) Circulator Pumps – For ECM circulator pumps used in potable hot water recirculation applications up to 3.5 HP, customer and distributor incentives are available.
Refrigeration and food service
  • High-Efficiency Condensing Units (HECU), High-Efficiency Evaporator Units (HEEU) – Customer and distributor incentives are available.
  • Food Service Equipment – Offerings in this category are now exclusive to Midstream, and customer and distributor incentives are available.
  • Ultra-Low Temperature Freezers – Offerings in this category are now exclusive to Midstream, and customer and distributor incentives are available.

Transition Plan

For projects that require pre-approval (e.g., lighting retrofits), the applicable program version is based on the incentive offer issue date. To minimize potential delays to projects, the program may implement a best–deal offer for projects that have a valid incentive offer issued between the program change notice and the effective date.

Incentive Offer Letter Issue Date Applicable Program Version
Offer Letter dated prior to 8/21/26 We will use the program version in effect when the incentive offer
letter was issued.
Offer Letter dated from 8/21/26–9/20/26; project completed after 9/21/26 This will have an option to run on either incentive structure.
Offer Letter dated 9/21/26 or after The new program with the current changes is in full effect.

For projects where pre-approval is not required, the program version is based on the equipment purchase order/invoice date for the first item(s) purchased for the project. If the earliest invoice date is prior to the current program’s effective date, the project may be subject to requirements and incentives from the prior program version.

If you have questions or want more information about these updates and offerings, contact your outreach specialist.

Watt’s up with Wattsmart® – August 2026

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A new Watt’s Up With Wattsmart podcast is live!

The What’s Up With Wattsmart podcast offers trade allies the latest news, insights and valuable resources. This installment takes a look at how the state of the market affects our industry and features important upcoming program changes that will begin in September.   

Listen to the podcast on your favorite platform.

Apple Podcasts

Vimeo

YouTube

Spotify

Show notes

The following are proposed program changes for Rocky Mountain Power Wattsmart Business Utah incentives. Pending program approval, these will go into effect September 21, 2026. 

Find out all you need to know about program changes coming in September. Head over to https://wattsmartbusiness.com/utah-program-changes-september-2026/ for the details. 

Do you have questions or feedback on the topics you heard today or ones you’d like us to cover in the future? Contact your outreach specialist at https://wattsmartbusiness.com/contacts/ or email us at WattsmartTradeAlly@rockymountainpower.net.  

    Announcing the 2025 Wattsmart® Business Award Winners!

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    The Rocky Mountain Power Wattsmart® Business Trade Allies are a select group of vetted contractors that help their customers save energy.

    At the next level is the Pro Network. These professionals are experts at helping their customers make the right selections to save energy and earn Wattsmart Business incentives. In addition, these contractors participate in annual professional development training to stay current.

    At a recent event, our trade allies were thanked and recognized for their stellar performance in 2025. (Photos below.)

    The image below shows a complete list of members of the Pro Network. To find these and any other Wattsmart Business contractors, use the Find a Wattsmart Trade Ally tool on the website.

    Find a Wattsmart Trade Ally

    The Pro Network

    Other trade allies awarded for their performance in 2025 included:

    Idaho
    • Hatch Lighting
    Wyoming
    • Jadeco
    • Summit Electric

    Congratulations to all of the 2025 award winners. We are proud to recognize these contractors, and we appreciate their contributions to the Rocky Mountain Power Wattsmart Business program.

    Photos

    Click on the first photo below, then use the arrows to scroll through the other award pictures.

    Take HVAC projects to the next level with Advanced Rooftop Unit Controls

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    Advanced Rooftop Unit Controls (ARC) in a nutshell

    Unlock better HVAC performance and greater energy savings for your customers with ARC, a retrofit solution that modernizes an existing rooftop unit (RTU). Traditional RTUs with constant speed fans waste energy, especially when demand is low. By automatically adjusting fan speed and monitoring building needs in real time, ARC provides measurable savings and enhanced comfort for your customers.

    The components of ARC

    • Unit control – acts as the digital brain of the unit.
    • Supply fan VFD or multi-speed fan motor – adjusts the speed of the fan as needed, rather than running at a constant speed (100%).
    • CO2 or occupancy-based sensor – detects building occupancy with CO2 sensors and automatically adjusts ventilation rates, minimizing unnecessary fan operation.
    • Digitally controlled economizer – brings in the fresh air from outside to help cool your space naturally and reduce the load on the cooling system.

    Deliver more value to your customers with ARC

    • Help your customers reduce energy use by 30-50%.
    • Ensure quick project payback in just one to four years.
    • Utilize installation incentives for your ARC projects.
    • Deliver lower utility bills for your customers.
    • Increase the lifespan of your customer’s RTU.
    • Improve occupant comfort.
    • Boost indoor air quality.

    Market growth

    Did you know?

    • Roughly 60% of commercial floor spaces use RTUs.
    • RTUs make up 20% of all commercial building energy use.
    • 73% of these units rely on basic or manual controls.
    • That’s 1.9 million buildings in the U.S. ready for major energy savings with better controls.

    How does it work?

    Check out this example project to give you an idea of what an ARC project might look like.

     

     

     

     

    ARC project checklist

    Start application

    Utah Application
    Idaho Application
    Wyoming Application

    Questions?

    Our team can help you with your application. Email us at WattsmartBusiness@rockymountainpower.net or call us at 385-300-0150.

     

     

     

    Reap rewards for your work in Utah with new 2026 trade ally promotions!

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    Worker in yellow hard hat and orange vest - New Promotions to Strengthen Your Success

    To increase participation in 2026, we’ve put together great promotions for both new and existing trade allies that include cash rewards, fun activities and recognition for your company.

    Promotions for New Trade Allies

    Join the Wattsmart® Business Trade Ally Network and get rewarded for helping your customers save energy and money!

    2026 New Trade Ally* Reward: $100 gift card

    Get the details

    How to qualify: Submit your application to join the Wattsmart® Business Trade Ally Network in 2026, be approved and submit your first project in 2026. This promotion excludes midstream offerings.

    Timeline: Projects submitted by deadline of 11/30/2026 will qualify for this promotion (or until allocated funds are exhausted).

    Claim your reward: Receive a one-time $100 gift card for your company after your first project submittal is confirmed.

    *Midstream trade allies are not eligible to participate in this promotion.

    First Five Projects Reward: $499 gift card

    Get the details

    How to qualify: Submit your application to join the network in 2026, be approved and submit your first five lighting projects in 2026. This promotion excludes midstream lighting offerings.

    Timeline: Projects submitted by deadline of 11/30/2026 will qualify for this promotion (or until allocated funds are exhausted).

    Claim your reward: Score a one-time $499 gift card for your company after your five lighting project submittals are confirmed.

    Questions? Call your outreach specialist or contact us at 1-866-870-3419 or wattsmart@evergreen.energy.

    Promotions for Current Trade Allies

    Make 2026 your year to promote Wattsmart®’s energy-efficient solutions and incentives in all your projects. You’ll increase customer satisfaction, boost revenue and earn rewards.

    **Trade allies must be in good standing to participate in the promotions. Midstream trade allies are not eligible for these promotions.

    Half-a-Mill kWh Submitted Reward: Lunch for up to eight team members

    Get the details

    How to qualify: Submit your projects that result in a total of 500,000 kWh savings closed in 2026. This promotion excludes midstream distributors.

    Timeline: Projects submitted by deadline of 11/30/2026 will qualify for this promotion (or until allocated funds are exhausted).

    Claim your reward: Enjoy a one-time lunch (maximum of $500) with your outreach specialist and up to eight team members in your organization. Once the 500,000 kWh achievement is confirmed, your outreach specialist will contact you to set a mutually agreeable time and place.

    Million kWh Club Reward: Golf outing or similar activity for your team

    Get the details

    How to qualify: Submit projects that result in a total of 1 million kWh in savings closed in 2026. This promotion excludes midstream offerings.

    Timeline: Projects submitted by deadline of 11/30/2026 will qualify for this promotion (or until allocated funds are exhausted).

    Claim your reward: Get your team ready to play at a one-time golf outing or similar activity (approximately $500/event) with your outreach specialist. Once the 1 million kWh achievement is confirmed, your outreach specialist will contact you to set a mutually agreeable time and place.

    2026 Leading With Controls Reward: Personalized case study and award

    Get the details

    How to qualify: Submit a minimum of five (5) projects with advanced rooftop unit controls, Advanced Networked Lighting Controls or Luminaire Level Lighting Controls in 2026. The Wattsmart Business team will select the top three trade allies with the highest project count to receive the award.

    Timeline: Projects submitted by deadline of 11/30/2026 will qualify for this promotion (or until allocated funds are exhausted).

    Claim your reward: Tap into the expertise at Wattsmart Business to receive a personalized, professional case study and collect an award for your work in promoting lighting controls.

    All data will be verified and tracked for accuracy.

    Questions? Call your outreach specialist or contact us at 1-866-870-3419 or Wattsmart@evergreen.energy.

    Start your savings with engine block heater controllers

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    It can be a struggle to start up vehicles with diesel motors in cold weather. An engine block heater can help, but basic timers on block heaters can overuse electricity, increasing your costs. Engine block heater controllers are smart enough to run only when needed, saving you energy, time and money.

    Three reasons to switch to smart engine block heater controllers

     

    1. Save energy

    Newer, more efficient smart engine block controllers are superior to older block heater timers because they use variables such as ambient temperature to know when to operate. This helps reduce engine block run times. When setting preheat times using a block timer alone, you must plan for the worst-case scenario. But smart controllers dynamically adjust schedules for optimal efficiency.

    2. Save time

    Smart engine block controllers are easy to install and program. After that is done, less daily labor is needed.

    3. Save money

    Energy savings come from not running equipment longer than necessary or when it’s not needed. More savings come from a $125 incentive* available for products found on the qualified product list.

    Start your savings

     

    Watch this brief video that demonstrates a real-world situation. See how simple the installation is, and which equipment can benefit from engine block heaters.

    See our set up video for information on how to set up engine block heater controller. For additional types of engine block heater controllers, see our qualified product list.

    Download the flyer

    * Idaho Incentives  Utah Incentives  Wyoming Incentives

    Program changes for Rocky Mountain Power Wattsmart® Business – Idaho

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    Program changes for Rocky Mountain Power Wattsmart® Business in Idaho effective November 17, 2025.

    Quick Links

    Contact Us
    See Incentive Tables
    Lighting: Plug and Play Controls Ready
    Lighting: Retrofits incentives
    Midstream incentives
    New Construction/Major Renovation
    Non-lighting incentives

    Wattsmart® Business is always looking for ways to improve our program and make it easier for you to serve your customers with the best products and incentives. Our program evolves as technology changes, and as we gain insights from experience. Rocky Mountain Power is planning updates to the Wattsmart Business program in Idaho that will be effective November 17, 2025.  We’ll have new approaches for lighting, New Construction/Major Renovation and non-lighting incentives.

    Lighting: Plug and Play Controls Ready 🌟New🌟

    We developed this category in response to emerging lighting technology, and it applies to all lighting offers. Plug and Play Controls Ready lighting offers you flexibility with receptacles that allow for a toolless addition of controls during installation or in the future. If your customer opts for controls in the future, there’s no need to rewire the system, which cuts your labor costs. Several incentives are available in this category:

    • You may submit for the plug-and-play lighting incentive at the time of installation.
    • If the fixtures include a module, plug-and-play controls can be submitted as a Networked Lighting Controls or Advanced Networked Lighting Controls project, and we will honor the highest incentive for your customer.
    • You may submit for a controls-only project incentive in the future.

    Incentive Table

    Lighting: Retrofits incentives

    Express incentives

    We are introducing an Express path to allow you to apply for most lighting projects on a post-purchase application process, which can be quickly submitted through the new online tool. Unlike past prescriptive incentives that calculated the incentive amount per fixture, Express incentives offer an incentive amount per watt installed and are not limited to specific retrofit kit/fixture categories. Express excludes replacement lamps, controls only, new construction and major renovation, and projects where there is an LED baseline and has different rates for interior and exterior installations.

    • Uses classifications
      • No controls
      • Plug and Play Controls Ready
      • NLCs
      • Luminaire Level Lighting Controls

    Small and Medium Business Express incentives

    We are expanding the previous Small Business Enhanced category to include medium-sized businesses too. This category uses the Express incentive structure described above, and this new category will be referred to as SMBE.

    The original 75% incentive cap still applies, but you have more opportunities to achieve it. Rather than one set incentive of 75%, SMBE offers higher incentive levels.

    The Express category excludes replacement lamps, is phasing out the lighting tool and offers you a new eligibility site.

    Calculated (non-prescriptive)

    Our non-prescriptive path goes by a few names such as calculated, typical or simply the lighting tool path. We’re making some enhancements to the lighting tool.

    The biggest change is that there is one incentive rate for all customer sizes, eliminating segmentation in the tool. The Basic Controls category is being replaced with Plug and Play Controls Ready. This is the exclusive path for controls-only projects. You can receive lighting incentives for most product types in the tool, with the exception of replacement lamps, which are excluded from this category.

    Exterior lighting

    The following new measures have been added:

    • No controls
    • Basic or NLC
    • ANLC

    All non-general illuminance will now be grouped in the non-prescriptive custom category.

    Incentive Table

    Midstream lighting incentives

    This is the exclusive path for replacement lamps. As part of our program changes, the LED Instant Incentive and the existing post-purchase application are now replaced with the Express offering. Fixtures, kits, and controls will all be available downstream in the Express application or lighting tool.

    The fullstream model of shared incentives is now combined into a midstream exclusive offer for replacement lamps. Incentives will be paid to the participating distributor, who may pass the incentive through to the customer. Approved midstream trade allies may submit via single-sale log entries or via bulk uploads. If you are not signed up as a participating distributor, please contact us to apply.

    Incentive Table

    New Construction/Major Renovation

    New Construction/Major Renovation lighting incentives are changing to a tiered pay-for-savings structure where various incentive amounts per kilowatt hour apply based on the type of controls used.

    Interior lighting

    • No controls
    • NLC
    • ANLC

    Exterior lighting

    New measures added include:

    • No controls
    • Basic dimming controls
    • ANLC dimming controls

    Incentive Table

    Non-lighting incentives

    The Green Motor Rewinds incentive is being removed from the program. 

    TRANSITION PLAN:  

    For projects requiring pre-approval, see the table to understand which incentive applies.
    For post-purchase projects, the earlier invoice date for the project is used to determine which version of the program applies.

    Offer Letter dated prior to 10/2/25; projects completed prior to10/2/25 We will use the program version in effect when the incentive offer letter was issued. 
    Offer Letter dated from 10/2/25-11/16/25 Option to run on either incentive structure.
    Offer Letter dated 11/17/25 or later New program with changes is in full effect.

     Incentive Table

    QUESTIONS? Contact us, we are happy to help! 

    Program changes for Rocky Mountain Power Wattsmart® Business – Wyoming

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    Program changes for Rocky Mountain Power Wattsmart® Business in Wyoming effective October 24.

    Quick Links

    Contact Us
    See Incentive Tables
    Lighting: Plug and Play Controls Ready
    Lighting: Retrofits incentives
    Midstream incentives
    New Construction/Major Renovation
    Non-lighting incentives

    Wattsmart® Business is always looking for ways to improve our program and make it easier for you to serve your customers with the best products and incentives. Our program evolves as technology changes, and we gain insights from experience. Rocky Mountain Power is planning updates to the Wattsmart Business program in Wyoming that will be effective October 24, 2025.  We’ll have new approaches for lighting pathways, new construction/major renovation and non-lighting incentives.

    Lighting: Plug and Play Controls Ready 🌟New🌟

    We developed this category in response to emerging lighting technology, and it applies to all lighting pathways. Plug and Play Controls Ready lighting offers you flexibility with receptacles that allow for a tool-less addition of controls during installation or in the future. If your customer opts for controls in the future, there’s no need to rewire the system, which cuts your labor costs. Several incentives are available in this category:

    • You may submit for the plug-and-play lighting incentive at the time of installation.
    • If the fixtures include a module, plug-and-play controls can be submitted as a Networked Lighting Controls or Advanced Networked Lighting Controls project, and we will honor the highest incentive for your customer.
    • You may submit for a controls-only project incentive in the future.


    See Table Non-Prescriptive Lighting System Retrofit Incentives

    Lighting: retrofits incentives

    Express incentives

    We are introducing an Express path to allow you to apply for most lighting projects on a post-purchase application process, which can be quickly submitted through the new online tool. Unlike past prescriptive incentives that calculated the incentive amount per fixture, Express incentives offer an incentive amount per watt installed and are not limited to specific retrofit kit/fixture categories. Express excludes replacement lamps, controls only, new construction and major renovation, and projects where there is an LED baseline and has different rates for interior and exterior installations.

    • Uses classifications
    • No controls
    • Plug and Play Controls Ready
    • NLCs
    • Luminaire Level Lighting Controls

    Small and Medium Business Express (SMBE) incentives

    We are expanding the previous Small Business Enhanced category to include medium-sized businesses too. This category uses the Express incentive structure described above, so this new category will be referred to as SMBE.

    The original 75% incentive cap still applies, but you have more opportunities to achieve it. Rather than one set incentive of 75%, SMBE offers higher incentive levels.

    The Express category excludes replacement lamps, is phasing out the lighting tool and offers you a new eligibility site.

    Calculated (non-prescriptive)
    Our non-prescriptive path goes by a few names such as calculated, Typical or simply the lighting tool path. We’re making some enhancements to the lighting tool.

    The biggest change is that there is one rate for all customer sizes, eliminating segmentation in the tool. The Basic Controls category is being replaced with Plug and Play Controls Ready. This is the exclusive path for controls-only projects. You can receive lighting incentives for most product types in the tool, with the exception of replacement lamps, which are excluded from this category.

    Exterior lighting

    The following new measures have been added:

    • No controls
    • Basic or NLC
    • ANLC

    All non-general illuminance will now be grouped in the non-prescriptive custom category.


    See Tables Prescriptive Lighting System Retrofit Incentives and Small and Medium Business Express Incentives

    Midstream incentives

    This is the exclusive path for replacement lamps. As part of our program changes, the LED Instant Incentive and the existing post-purchase application are now replaced with the Express offering. Fixtures, kits, and controls will all be available downstream in the Express application or lighting tool.

    The fullstream model of shared incentives is now combined into a midstream exclusive offer. Approved midstream trade allies may submit via single-sale log entries or via bulk uploads.


    See Table Prescriptive Lighting System Retrofit Incentives

    New Construction/Major Renovation

    Most projects in this category include more than one system (e.g. lighting, HVAC or building envelope) and qualify for the Whole Building New Construction/Major Renovation offering.

    If only a single system is changed, the project would fall into the following categories:

    • New construction incentives are available for most common building types lighting including Controlled Environmental Agriculture. For major renovation, lighting, HVAC, or building envelope is eligible for the incentives linked in the table below.

    Exterior lighting

    Single system new construction/major renovation exterior lighting incentives are changing to a tiered pay-for-savings structure where various incentive amounts per kilowatt hour apply based on the type of controls used:

    • No controls
    • Basic dimming controls
    • ANLC dimming controls


    See Table New Construction/Major Renovation Lighting Incentives

    Non-lighting incentives

    The Green Motor Rewinds incentive is being removed from the program. 

    See Table Motor Incentives 

    TRANSITION PLAN:  

    For projects requiring pre-approval see the table to understand which incentive applies.
    For post-purchase projects, the earlier invoice date for the project is used to determine which tariff applies. 

     

    Offer Letter dated prior to 9/24/25  We will use the program version in effect when the incentive offer letter was issued. 
    Offer Letter dated from 9/24/25 to 10/23/25  Option to run on either incentive structure. 
    Offer Letter dated 10/24/25 or later  New program with changes is in full effect. 

     

    QUESTIONS? Contact us, we are happy to help! 

     

    New LED lighting incentives now available for medium-sized Utah businesses

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    Medium-sized businesses in Utah now qualify for higher incentives when they upgrade to energy-efficient LED lighting. Previously available only to small businesses, these benefits are now accessible through an expansion of Wattsmart® Business’s Small and Medium Business Express (SMBE) incentives.

    Medium-sized businesses are now eligible for larger incentives, making it easier to save energy, money and time when upgrading to LED lighting. This could be a fit for your business if you:

    1. Plan to upgrade from non-LED to LED lighting.
    2. Use an approved SMBE Trade Ally for installation.

    If you have already upgraded to LED lighting or have another type of project in mind, see our other offerings to find out how you can save.

    SMBE incentives can cover up to 75% of your total project costs, depending on the installed wattage and associated controls. Benefits of upgrading include:

    • Lower energy and operating costs
    • Improved lighting quality and workplace safety
    • Enhanced employee productivity and customer comfort
    • Higher value for your business
    • And more!

    To learn more or confirm eligibility, contact us at 1-866-870-3419 or Wattsmart@evergreen.energy.

    You can verify your business size category online or speak with your outreach specialist if you have any questions.

    NOTE: Incentives only available through Small and Medium Business Express trade allies. Incentive caps apply. Actual incentive amounts may vary.