Duke Energy Florida has introduced a new incentive program for multifamily builders, offering a $500 rebate per individually metered unit that meets ENERGY STAR certification standards. Builders can also qualify for an additional $500 tax credit from ENERGY STAR, bringing the total possible benefit to $1,000 per unit.
To participate, builders must submit the Energy Star Homes Programs Intake Form, register as a Duke Energy Trade Ally, complete the ENERGY STAR certification with verification, and provide certification documentation for each unit to receive payment.
The program aims to help both builders and future residents. According to Duke Energy Florida, homes and apartments with ENERGY STAR certification are at least 10% more energy efficient than those built to standard code and achieve an average improvement of 20%.
Melissa Seixas, Duke Energy Florida state president, said: “Multifamily new construction is increasing drastically in many of Duke Energy Florida’s service areas. By focusing on builder incentives in this area of high growth, we can also help customers save on their monthly energy bills when they purchase or rent an ENERGY STAR certified unit.”
Beazer Homes is the first builder to join the incentive program through Duke Energy Florida. The company is developing two townhome communities in Oviedo—Aulin Square and Towns at Greenleaf—which will offer a combined total of 85 ENERGY STAR-certified homes.
Steve Cervino, Beazer Homes area president, commented: “Utility costs are a critical piece of the equation for housing affordability, but that is just the start of benefits for customers. We’re proud to build above and beyond ENERGY STAR standards so homeowners can experience healthier, more quiet, and more comfortable living spaces.”
The program is available for new construction projects including condos, apartments, duplexes, and townhomes.
Duke Energy Florida serves about 2 million residential, commercial, and industrial customers across a 13,000-square-mile area in Florida. Its parent company, Duke Energy (NYSE: DUK), operates electric utilities serving 8.4 million customers across several states and owns over 54,800 megawatts of energy capacity nationwide. The company continues to invest in grid upgrades and cleaner energy generation options.
For more information or to enroll in the program, interested builders can visit duke-energy.com.
