Missouri homeowners can now receive benefits for conserving energy. On Friday, Gov. Jay Nixon launched the Missouri Home Energy Certification, in an effort to recognize energy-efficient homes.
Amy Susan is the director of communications and marketing at the Missouri Department of Economic Development. The department’s Division of Energy is playing a large role in promoting this certification.
“We launched this initiative, and it’s supposed to encourage homeowners to help the state, of course, do their part by reducing energy consumption and usage, but also to reap the benefits from doing so,” Susan said.
Spokesperson Scott Holste for Gov. Nixon said the governor has been focused on energy efficiency since being in office. Holste said Gov. Nixon has been looking for ways for Missouri to reduce the amount of energy used.
With this certification program, homeowners can be rewarded for reducing the amount of energy conserved in their homes.
“This is something that can help homeowners become part of that effort to reduce energy usage by making improvements or upgrades to their own home,” Holste said. “It’s gonna be a way for them to reduce their own energy bills and have more money in their budget.”
But those aren’t the only benefits. Homes that are certified by this program will receive a gold or silver level certification, depending on their level of energy-efficiency.
Susan said if homeowners in this program want to sell their homes in the future, the certification will be sought after by potential homebuyers.
In addition, homeowners can receive a tax deduction to recover upgrade costs. Individuals can receive up to $1,000, while those filing a joint return can receive up to $2,000.
Holste said there are many ways homeowners can take steps to make their homes more energy-efficient. One of those ways is having an audit done to access where the greatest needs are.
Susan said the Division of Energy helps certify these auditors, who then submit recommendations back to the division to decide who qualifies for the certification.
Homeowners who are interested in this certification program can sign up on the Department of Economic Development Division of Energy’s website. Holste said all the departments involved are looking forward to people applying for the certification.
