energy-savings

Rocky Mountain Power Window Rebates: What's Available and How to Apply

Rocky Mountain Power offers rebates for energy-efficient windows through its Wattsmart program. Learn what qualifies, how much you can save per window, and how to submit your rebate application in Utah.

2/9/202610 min readshow_in_blogrebateswindowsutahrocky-mountain-powerenergy-savings

Quick Hits

  • Rocky Mountain Power offers $3 per square foot for windows with a U-factor of 0.22 or lower through the Wattsmart program.
  • Windows with U-factors between 0.23 and 0.25 qualify for the lower $2 per square foot tier.
  • A typical 10-window project can yield $300 to $450 in utility rebates on top of federal tax credits.
  • Applications must be submitted within 90 days of installation through the Wattsmart online portal.
  • Rebates are paid as a check or bill credit within 4 to 8 weeks of approval.

If Rocky Mountain Power supplies your electricity, and it does for roughly 80% of Utah households, you have access to cash rebates for installing energy-efficient windows. The Wattsmart rebate program rewards homeowners who choose high-performance windows, and the rebate stacks directly on top of the federal tax credit for double savings.

This guide covers exactly what Rocky Mountain Power offers, which windows qualify, and how to submit your application without delays. For the complete picture of all available incentives, see our Utah rebates and tax credits pillar guide.

What Rocky Mountain Power Offers for Windows

Rocky Mountain Power's Wattsmart program is designed to help Utah homeowners reduce electricity consumption. Since windows are a major factor in heating and cooling efficiency, the program offers per-square-foot rebates for replacement windows that meet specific performance thresholds.

The program has been available for several years, though rebate amounts and qualifying criteria may adjust annually based on program funding and utility commission approvals. The information here reflects the current program structure, but always verify current rates on the Wattsmart website before starting your project.

Key program details:

  • Eligible customers: Residential Rocky Mountain Power customers in Utah
  • Eligible properties: Existing homes (not new construction)
  • Installer requirement: Must be installed by a licensed contractor
  • Application deadline: Within 90 days of completed installation
  • Payment method: Check or bill credit

Rebate Tiers and Qualifying Specifications

Rocky Mountain Power structures its window rebate in two performance tiers, rewarding higher-performing windows with larger rebates:

Tier 1: High Performance ($3 per Square Foot)

  • U-factor: 0.22 or lower
  • Typical window types: Triple-pane with Low-E coatings and argon or krypton gas fill, or premium double-pane with upgraded coatings and krypton gas
  • Rebate per standard window (15 sq ft glass area): Approximately $45

Tier 2: Energy Star Minimum ($2 per Square Foot)

  • U-factor: 0.23 to 0.25
  • Typical window types: Standard double-pane with Low-E coatings and argon gas fill
  • Rebate per standard window (15 sq ft glass area): Approximately $30

Windows with a U-factor above 0.25 do not qualify for any Rocky Mountain Power rebate, though they may still qualify for the federal tax credit if they carry Energy Star certification.

The rebate is calculated on glass area, not overall window dimensions including the frame. Your contractor or window manufacturer can provide glass area measurements, or you can estimate by subtracting 2 to 3 inches from each overall dimension to account for the frame.

What About SHGC?

Rocky Mountain Power's rebate focuses on U-factor rather than Solar Heat Gain Coefficient (SHGC). However, if you also want to qualify for the federal tax credit, your windows need an SHGC of 0.40 or lower for Utah's Climate Zone 5. Most windows that meet the U-factor thresholds above will also meet the SHGC requirement.

How to Calculate Your Rebate Amount

Estimating your Rocky Mountain Power rebate is straightforward:

Formula: Number of windows x average glass area per window x rebate rate per square foot

Here are some real-world examples:

ProjectWindowsGlass Area EachU-FactorTierTotal Rebate
Small project512 sq ft0.21$3/sqft$180
Typical project1015 sq ft0.22$3/sqft$450
Typical project1015 sq ft0.25$2/sqft$300
Large project1815 sq ft0.20$3/sqft$810

For the average Utah home replacing 10 to 12 windows, the rebate ranges from $300 to $540 depending on window performance level and size. That is meaningful money on top of the $600 federal tax credit.

Application Process Step by Step

The Wattsmart rebate application is not complex, but it does require specific documentation and timely submission. Here is the process:

Step 1: Verify Eligibility Before You Start

Before purchasing windows, confirm:

  • You are a current Rocky Mountain Power residential customer at the installation address
  • The property is an existing home, not new construction
  • You plan to use a licensed contractor for installation
  • The windows you are considering meet the minimum U-factor requirement of 0.25 or lower

You can call Rocky Mountain Power's Wattsmart line or check their website to confirm current program terms and funding availability.

Step 2: Choose Qualifying Windows

Select windows with NFRC-rated U-factors of 0.25 or lower. For the maximum rebate, aim for 0.22 or lower. Our Energy Star windows guide covers which brands and configurations meet each tier.

Ask your contractor or window supplier for the NFRC specification sheet for each window model. This document shows the certified performance ratings you will need for the application.

Step 3: Complete Installation

Have your licensed contractor install the windows. During installation:

  • Photograph NFRC labels on every window before they are covered or removed
  • Document the installation date on the contractor's invoice
  • Note the glass area for each window (your contractor should include this on the invoice or can provide a separate measurement sheet)

Step 4: Gather Application Documents

Rocky Mountain Power typically requires:

  • Completed rebate application form (available on the Wattsmart website)
  • Contractor invoice: Must show window model numbers, quantities, glass area dimensions, and installation date
  • NFRC performance data: Spec sheets or label photographs showing the U-factor for each window model installed
  • Rocky Mountain Power account number: Found on your utility bill

Step 5: Submit Within 90 Days

Submit your completed application package through the Wattsmart online portal or by mail. The 90-day deadline begins on the date of installation completion as shown on your contractor's invoice.

Online submission is faster and allows you to track your application status. If mailing, send copies (not originals) of your documentation and use a traceable mailing method.

Step 6: Receive Payment

Once approved, expect your rebate within 4 to 8 weeks. Payment arrives as a check mailed to your billing address or as a credit applied to your next Rocky Mountain Power bill.

Documentation Requirements

Rocky Mountain Power is thorough in reviewing rebate applications. Missing or incomplete documentation is the number one reason applications are delayed or denied. Make sure you have:

  1. NFRC-certified U-factor ratings for every window model installed. Marketing materials saying "energy efficient" are not sufficient. The rating must come from NFRC testing.

  2. Contractor's license information. Self-installed windows generally do not qualify for the utility rebate (unlike the federal tax credit, which does allow DIY installation).

  3. Itemized invoice. The invoice should clearly show:

    • Window model numbers or product names
    • Number of each model installed
    • Glass area dimensions or measurements
    • Total project cost
    • Installation completion date
    • Contractor name, license number, and contact information
  4. Proof of Rocky Mountain Power service. A recent utility bill or your account number is typically sufficient.

Timeline and Payment

Here is a realistic timeline for the rebate process:

MilestoneTimeline
Installation completeDay 0
Submit applicationWithin 90 days (sooner is better)
Application review2 to 4 weeks after submission
Additional documentation requested (if any)1 to 2 weeks after initial review
Approval3 to 6 weeks after submission
Rebate payment received4 to 8 weeks after approval

Plan on approximately 2 to 3 months from installation to payment. If your application is straightforward and documentation is complete, it may arrive sooner.

Tips for Maximizing Your Rebate

Aim for Tier 1

The jump from a $2 rebate to a $3 rebate (50% increase) often costs far less than 50% more per window. Triple-pane windows or premium double-pane with krypton gas fill typically add $50 to $100 per window in cost but can yield $15 more per window in rebates plus better energy performance and comfort. Over a 10-window project, the higher tier earns an extra $150 in rebates while also qualifying you for greater long-term energy savings.

Get Your Contractor Involved

Experienced Utah window contractors submit rebate applications regularly and know exactly what Rocky Mountain Power requires. Ask your contractor if they handle the rebate paperwork as part of their service. Many do, and having a professional manage the application reduces the risk of errors or omissions.

Combine With Federal Credits

The Rocky Mountain Power rebate and the federal tax credit apply to the same windows with no conflict. A 10-window project at the highest tier can yield $450 in utility rebates plus $600 in federal credits, totaling $1,050 in combined incentives. Add manufacturer promotions and you could be looking at $1,200 or more. Our stacking guide walks through the full strategy.

Check Funding Status

Utility rebate programs operate on annual budgets approved by the Utah Public Service Commission. When funding is exhausted, the program may pause or reduce rebate amounts until the next budget cycle. Check the Wattsmart website or call Rocky Mountain Power to confirm current availability before committing to a project based on expected rebate amounts.

Other Utah Utility Rebate Programs

Rocky Mountain Power is the largest but not the only utility offering window rebates in Utah.

Dominion Energy

If Dominion Energy provides your natural gas, they periodically offer rebates for improvements that reduce heating demand. Window upgrades have historically qualified, though the program specifics and availability vary year to year. Check the Dominion Energy Utah website or call their energy efficiency line for current offerings.

Municipal Utilities

Several Utah cities operate their own electric utilities and may offer separate rebate programs:

  • Provo Power: Provo residents should check with Provo Power for window and insulation rebates
  • Murray Power: Murray City has operated energy efficiency incentive programs
  • St. George Energy Services: Southern Utah residents may have access to different incentive structures

These municipal programs are independent of Rocky Mountain Power and can sometimes be combined with federal credits just as the Wattsmart rebate can.

Utah State Energy Programs

The Utah Governor's Office of Energy Development occasionally administers state-level incentive programs for energy efficiency improvements. These programs tend to be more limited in scope and duration than utility rebates, but they are worth checking, especially for lower-income homeowners who may qualify for additional assistance.

For the complete strategy on layering all available incentives for maximum savings on your window project, visit our comprehensive Utah rebates and tax credits guide. And if you are still researching window options, our cost guide will help you understand the full investment before factoring in rebates.

References

  • https://www.rockymountainpower.net/savings-energy/rebates.html
  • https://www.rockymountainpower.net/savings-energy/rebates/windows.html
  • https://wattsmart.com/
  • https://www.nfrc.org/energy-performance-label/
  • https://www.energystar.gov/about/federal-tax-credits/windows-skylights

FAQ

How much is the Rocky Mountain Power window rebate?

The rebate is $3 per square foot of window glass area for windows with a U-factor at or below 0.22, and $2 per square foot for windows with a U-factor between 0.23 and 0.25. For a standard 3-by-5-foot window with about 15 square feet of glass area, that translates to $30 to $45 per window at the highest tier.

Can I get the utility rebate AND the federal tax credit?

Yes. The Rocky Mountain Power rebate and the federal Energy Efficient Home Improvement Credit are completely separate programs. You can claim both on the same window installation. The utility rebate is applied for through Rocky Mountain Power, while the tax credit is claimed on your federal tax return using IRS Form 5695.

How long does it take to receive the rebate?

Once your application is approved, Rocky Mountain Power typically issues the rebate within 4 to 8 weeks. Payment comes as a check mailed to your address or as a credit on your utility bill, depending on the program terms at the time of your application.

Do I need to use a specific contractor?

Rocky Mountain Power does not require a specific contractor, but the installation must be performed by a licensed contractor. Some contractors are listed as Wattsmart partners and may be more familiar with the rebate process and documentation requirements.

Key Takeaway

Rocky Mountain Power's Wattsmart window rebate offers Utah homeowners $2 to $3 per square foot of qualifying window glass area, with higher rebates for better-performing windows. Combined with the federal tax credit, a typical project can yield $900 to $1,100 in combined incentives.