Frequently Asked Questions for Trade Allies

Instant Discount

An instant discount, sometimes referred to as “midstream,” is provided at the point of sale, such as from the distributor to the contractor, with limited paperwork. This discount is provided by the utility to encourage energy efficient purchases where an application to the utility would not be feasible.

• Examples include, residential and commercial heat pumps < 5.4 tons, heat pump water heaters < 120 gallons, electronically commutated (EC) circulation pumps, and ultra-low temp freezers.
• Certain heat pump water heater products will include a $100 spiff (a supplemental incentive for participating in our program) for contractors.

Rebate

A rebate is a flat, “deemed” payment for installing a piece of equipment, and savings are already pre-calculated. These payments are issued after proof of installation, such as through an invoice, and typically are quick to issue.

• Examples include, an array of commercial-only items such as advanced rooftop controls (ARC), commercial kitchen equipment, ice machines, and demand control ventilation (DCV) fans.

Incentive

An incentive, sometimes referred to as “downstream,” is a payment that City Light issues after the completion of a project. Incentive payments are estimated prior to installation, then issued (paid) based on the as-built energy savings provided by the project, calculated by an Energy Management Analyst (EMA).

• Note that incentives are for commercial, industrial, and multifamily projects and require a contract (participation agreement) to be signed before the installation can begin.

There are multiple ways to start a project with City Light:

• Apply online
• Email SCLEnergyAdvisor@seattle.gov
• Call (206) 684-3800
• Or contact an Energy Management Analyst you have worked with on previous projects.

This is a general overview of the incentive process, which may vary depending on the incentive and project type. For example, some incentives may include a partial payment after savings are verified post-installation.

1. Apply – Trade Ally fills out appropriate application. Detailed information is on each application.
2. Estimate – City Light reviews application, estimates savings and incentives (where applicable) and offers participation agreement to customer.
3. Install – Trade Ally installs qualifying equipment and/or components and provides product documentation and project costs to City Light.
4. Verify – Coordinate with City Light for onsite verification of installation and savings.
5. Payment – Finalize project close-out with City Light. Payment is sent within 45 days of customer signature.

Once all the information provided by an owner and/or trade ally is complete, to help determine estimated project costs, savings, and incentive payment, then City Light will send you a Participation Agreement within 5 - 10 business days.

It depends.

For equipment that qualifies for rebates, submit invoices for qualified purchases within 90 days of purchase date in our online form for “Simple Business Rebates.”

Custom incentive projects must first receive approval from City Light to proceed; we do not offer incentives retroactively. As a municipal utility that uses ratepayer dollars to fund incentives, we must be able to prove that the incentive was a factor in the conservation project moving forward. We aim to be good stewards of our ratepayer dollars.

If you’ve purchased equipment from a participating distributor in our midstream program and are not sure if you received the discount, you may contact the distributor within 90 days to ensure the discount was received.

A payment request is sent to the customer for signature. If the incentive is directed to the contractor, a payment assignment of funds is sent to the customer, then the contractor, for signature.