Missouri Turning to Private Contractors for Home Energy Audits
2009 tax deductions likely to spur increased demand
December 2008
The Missouri Department of Natural Resources sponsors the Home Performance with ENERGY STAR program, which makes certified home energy audits available to homeowners.
Missouri is gearing up for an increasing demand for home energy audits by authorizing private, certified contractors to perform the assessments. Through the Home Performance with ENERGY STAR® program, homeowners can request a home audit, or performance analysis, which will provide a series of recommendations for increasing energy efficiency.
Fluctuating energy prices in the last year have increased general awareness of the need to curb usage. In addition, new Missouri legislation that goes into effect in 2009 provides a tax deduction for home energy audits and the cost of implementing recommendations, provided that the procedures are done by individuals certified by the state's Department of Natural Resources. The department's Energy Office is administering the auditor certification effort, as well as the Home Performance with ENERGY STAR program.
In the Kansas City area, the home audits are overseen by the Metropolitan Energy Center. A story in the October 5 edition of the Kansas City Star ("Area Program Aims to Cut Home Energy Use") reported that home energy audits generally cost between $300 and $500. A rebate of up to $600 is being offered by Kansas City Power and Light to its Missouri customers who take advantage of the Home Performance with ENERGY STAR audit and implement at least one of the recommendations to improve efficiency.
For homeowners considering a home audit, the Department of Natural Resources provides a list of certified energy auditors (also called "building analysts"). It is up to homeowners to select an auditor, to determine whether to make recommended improvements, and to choose a supplier to perform whatever work is done.
Read about the Kansas City Home Performance Network on the Metropolitan Energy Center Web site.
For additional insight on home energy audits and related state legislation, read an overview from the Missouri Department of Natural Resources.
See more Missouri project descriptions published in Conservation Update.
Read recent Missouri news stories about state involvement in renewable energy and energy efficiency projects published on the EERE Web site.