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In 2006, Watauga County adopted a wind ordinance to regulate the use of wind-energy systems in the county and to describe the conditions by which a permit for installing such a system may be obtained. This policy was adopted in the context of an on-going debate over the legal interpretation of the [http://www.ncga.state.nc.us/EnactedLegislation/Statutes/HTML/ByArticle/C... 1983 Ridge Protection Act].

In 2007 Ashe County adopted a wind ordinance to regulate the use of wind-energy systems in unincorporated areas of the county and to describe the conditions by which a permit for installing such a system may be obtained. This policy was adopted in the context of an ongoing debate over the legal interpretation of the [http://www.ncga.state.nc.us/EnactedLegislation/Statutes/HTML/ByArticle/C... 1983 Ridge Protection Act].

Piedmont Electric Membership Corporation (PEMC) offers an incentive to its residential customers for residing in an energy efficient home. To qualify, the home must meet the standards of the US Environmental Protection Agency's Energy Star-labeled home program and be verified by a registered third party. Eligible houses will receive a discount on monthly electric bills from PEMC. Contact PEMC for more information on this program or view the program web site.

Piedmont Electric Membership Corporation's (PEMC) Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy Loan Program is available to eligible consumers to finance the purchase and installation of energy efficient residential upgrades. Approved consumers may borrow up to $10,000 for seven years at a five percent interest rate. Loans are available for central air conditioning, heat pumps, windows, doors and insulation.

Piedmont Electric Membership Corporation (PEMC) offers a financial incentive for residential members to install energy efficient heat pumps and compact fluorescent lighting in eligible homes. Rebates are available to PEMC members who install an electric heat pump with a SEER of 15 or higher and have a completely electric home. The rebate equals $50 per ton, up to four tons per system. Customers who replace incandescent lighting with compact fluorescent (CFL) bulbs are eligible for a credit of $0.50 per bulb on their power bill. Customers can receive credits for up to 30 CFL bulbs.

Piedmont Electric Membership Corporation's (PEMC) Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy Loan Program is available to eligible consumers to finance the purchase and installation of photovoltaic (PV) and solar water heating systems. Approved consumers may borrow up to $10,000 for seven years at a five percent interest rate. Contact PEMC for further information about this program.

Piedmont Electric Membership Corporation is offering a $500 rebate to its residential members who install solar water heaters on their homes. The utility recommends but does not require the system to be certified by the Solar Rating and Certification Corporation (SRCC)* and installed by a North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) installer.

Piedmont Natural Gas offers rebates to commercial customers for purchasing and installing high-efficiency natural gas tankless water heaters. Customers on the 102-Small General Service and 152-Medium General Service rate schedules are eligible for these rebates. Rebates are only provided for qualifying natural gas water heaters installed to replace previously used natural gas-fired equipment. Newly Constructed buildings and facilities using alternate fuel sources such as electricity or propane are not eligible.

Piedmont Natural Gas offers rebates on high-efficiency natural gas tankless water heaters, tank water heaters and furnaces. Customers on the 101-Residential Service rate are eligible for these rebates. Rebates are only provided for qualifying natural gas equipment that is installed to replace previously used natural gas-fired equipment. Newly Constructed homes and homes using alternate fuel source such as electricity or propane are not eligible. Customers must provide specific information regarding equipment purchases and installation contractors on the application form.