Energy.gov

The Pitt County Board of Commissioners adopted amendments to the county zoning ordinance in March 2010 which classify wind energy systems as an accessory use and establish siting and permitting requirements for their installation. The ordinance applies to small to medium systems designed primarily for on-site use in conjunction with a principal dwelling unit or business. The ordinance does not apply to utility scale systems.

'''Blade Clearance:''' Wind turbine blades may not be closer than 15 feet from the ground.

Progress Energy is working with lighting manufacturers and local retailers to offer discounted pricing on CFLs. The residential lighting program at Progress Energy's gives discounts at over 400 retail locations throughout NC and SC. Contact Progress Energy for more information on this offering.

Progress Energy provides rebates for energy efficiency measures in new construction or retrofits, as well as Technical Assistance for feasibility/energy studies to commercial, industrial and government organizations. Incentives are based on prescriptive rebate amounts listed above or custom amounts based on annual kilowatt-hours (kWh) saved. Prescriptive rebate amounts are available on the program application forms on the Progress Energy web site listed above.

Progress Energy Carolinas (PEC) offers an incentive to residential customers for purchasing or building new energy efficient homes. To qualify the home must meet the standards of the US Environmental Protection Agency's Energy Star-labeled home program and be verified by a registered third party. Eligible houses will receive a 5% discount on their monthly electric bills from Progress Energy. Contact PEC for more information on this incentive program.

Progress Energy provides incentives for residential customers to increase home energy efficiency. Rebates are provided for certain heating and cooling products, duct sealing and repairs, air sealing and upgraded insulation, and heat pump water heaters. To qualify, the equipment must meet the efficiency requirements outlined on the program web site and the home must be at least one year old. Customers also must use a contractor approved by Progress Energy to participate in the program.

'''''Note: This program is budgeted to support a total of 1 MW of residential systems per year. As of April 1, 2013, there is 370 kW of remaining capacity available for 2013. See the web site above for the current status. '''''

In August 2008, North Carolina enacted legislation that exempts 80% of the appraised value of a "solar energy electric system" (also known as a photovoltaic, or PV, system) from property tax. For the purposes of this assessment, the term "solar energy electric system" means "all equipment used directly and exclusively for the conversion of solar energy to electricity." This incentive is effective for taxable years beginning on or after July 1, 2008.

PSNC offers rebates to customers who purchase energy-efficient natural gas water heaters or natural gas furnaces. The rebate is available only when existing natural gas-fired water heating or heating equipment is replaced with more energy-efficient natural gas-fired equipment. To qualify, replacement equipment must be purchased after March 20, 2009, and must meet specified efficiency requirements. Customers must complete the "rebate application form" on the program web site and provide an itemized receipt within 90 days of purchase.

This discounted rate is available to commercial customers whose building meets the U.S. Green Building Council’s Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) certification or equivalent. To qualify, the customer must be on the Rate 125. Qualifying customers pay $.05 per therm less than otherwise applicable Rate 125. For buildings that use equivalent means to qualify, a registered professional engineer’s statement must be provided that states that the building uses no more energy, on a per square foot basis, than a LEED certified building.

Agricultural members of Randolph EMC (REMC) who upgrade to energy-efficient CFL bulbs in agricultural facilities are eligible for an incentive to help cover the initial cost of installation. The cooperative will cover 25% of the cost of the lighting upgrade. The program targets the adoption of CFL lighting technology specifically. Contact REMC for questions regarding lighting project eligibility. Rebate criteria are subject only to Randolph EMC standards. Contact a Randolph EMC representative for more information on this offering.