New Home Program
Mississippi Power's EarthCents new-home pilot program is designed to provide a more environmentally-friendly option for customers that want to increase the energy efficiency of their new home. Below is a checklist of requirements and options for each level. A Mississippi Power marketing representative MUST verify the installation of each requirement DURING THE CONSTRUCTION PHASE.
We have made it easy for you to obtain an EarthCents certification from Mississippi Power by offering three options.
Bronze Level - The Bronze Level can be attained by meeting the basic requirements of an energy-efficient home. Among the requirements listed below are a 13 SEER heat pump and CFL light bulbs. All requirements listed under the bronze heading must be met.
Silver Level - The Silver Level encourages the construction of a more efficient home and comes with a $500 incentive. You can choose from the many efficient options listed including a 15 SEER heat pump or programmable thermostats. The Silver certification requires that a minimum of 50 points be achieved when adding together the points value of each option installed.
Gold Level - Go all the way and achieve the Gold Level certification and a $1,000 incentive by meeting the Silver Level requirements and by installing either a geothermal heat pump, a heat pump with a SEER rating above 18 or a whole-house ductless heat pump.
BRONZE Level - Minimum Requirements
| Heat Pump: ≥ 13 SEER electric |
| Insulation: R-30 Attic R-19 Floors if raised floor space R-15 Wall cavity |
| Windows: U-value of ≤ .60 & SHGC ≤ .60 Glass area ≤ 25% of floor area |
| Ductwork: mastic on every joint |
| Recessed Lighting: IC rated airtight or airtight ready cans |
| Water Heater: high efficiency, electric, style tank All attic penetrations sealed
|
| Exterior Doors: Solid wood or metal with insulated core Door jambs caulked and insulated |
| Ridge and Soffit Vents |
SILVER Level - 50 Additional Points, $500 Incentive
(Meet BRONZE Level requirements, plus earn ≥ 50 Additional Points)
| Options for Additional Points | Points |
| Heat Pump: ≥ 15 SEER electric Installed by EarthCents Dealer Sized and installed according to Manual J |
20 |
| Heat Pump: ≥ 16 SEER electric Installed by EarthCents Dealer Sized and installed according to Manual J |
25 |
| Ductwork: > R-6 Ductwork meeting Manual D specification |
|
| Wall Insulation: R-30 Rigid Panel Walls OR Structural Insulated Panels OR Insulated Concrete Forms OR Cellulose OR Spray Foam |
10 |
| Attic Insulation: > R-38 OR Foam Encapsulated ( needs to have 20 points) |
10 |
| Windows: U-value of ≤ .35 and SHGC ≤ .35 Low-E coating on east and west exposed |
10 |
| Solar Water Heating | 10 |
| Heat Pump Water Heating | 10 |
| Water Heater: minimum energy factor of .92 OR Marathon brand |
5 |
| Programmable Thermostat(s) | 5 |
| Automatic dampers for HVAC zoning | 5 |
| Each ENERGY STAR® Electric Appliance | 3 |
GOLD Level - Specific Options, $1,000 Total Incentive
(Meet SILVER Level requirements plus install one of the options below)
Geothermal Heat Pump
> 18 SEER Heat Pump
Whole-house Ductless Heat Pump
Solar - Assisted Heat Pump
