New Energy Efficiency Programs
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is Simple Energy Solutions?
A: Simple Energy Solutions offers residential customers of Columbia Gas of Ohio rebates if they purchase and install energy-efficient thermostats and/or shower heads.
Q: Do I have to be a Columbia Gas of Ohio customer to participate?
A: Yes. You will have to provide a valid Columbia Gas of Ohio residential account number to qualify for the rebates.
Q: I buy my natural gas from a CHOICE marketer. Am I still eligible?
A: Yes. All Columbia residential customers are eligible, including those who buy their gas through the CHOICE program or municipal aggregation.
Q: Are there any income limits for this program?
A: No. While our WarmChoice home weatherization program is limited to customers with incomes at or below 150% of federal poverty guidelines, Simple Energy Solutions has no income limits.
Q: What are the rebates worth?
A: You may receive a rebate of up to $25 on an eligible thermostat and up to $10 on an eligible shower head.
Q: What if I have an electric water heater? Can I still get a shower head rebate?
A: No. You must have a natural gas hot water heater to qualify for the shower head rebate.
Q: I have Columbia Gas service for hot water and cooking, but not heat. Can I still get a thermostat rebate?
A: No. You must be a Columbia Gas heating customer to qualify for a thermostat rebate.
Q: I own a small business and would like to get a thermostat rebate. May I get one?
A: Not through Simple Energy Solutions. However, Columbia Gas will introduce incentives for small business customers later this year.
Q: Is any programmable thermostat eligible for the rebate program?
A: The thermostat must be ENERGY STAR® qualified to be eligible for a rebate.
Q: What qualifies as an energy-efficient shower head?
A: It must have a maximum flow rate of 1.8 gallons per minute, measured at 80 pounds-per-square-inch of water pressure.
Q: Where can I purchase energy-efficient thermostats and shower heads?
A: The easiest way is to visit the E-store online at ColumbiaGasOhio.com/e-store. There you will find complete lists of eligible thermostats and shower heads, and your rebate(s) will be applied instantly to your eligible purchase. You may also order eligible items and receive an instant rebate by calling, toll-free, 1-866-542-4767.
Q: May I purchase the items in a local retail store?
A: Yes. In that case you would need to fill out a rebate form and mail it, along with a copy of each receipt and the original UPC code from each package, to the address on the rebate form.
Q: Where can I get the rebate forms?
A: You may download it from the E-store (ColumbiaGasOhio/e-store) or you may call 1-866-542-4767 and request that forms be mailed to you.
Q: What if I find the items cheaper at a retail store or another web site? May I purchase them there?
A: Absolutely. You may purchase an eligible item anywhere and request a rebate by mail. Keep in mind that the rebate you receive may not exceed the purchase price of the item.
Q: I have more than one shower in my home. Can I get rebates on more than one shower head?
A: Yes. If you are a residential water heating customer of Columbia Gas of Ohio, you may receive rebates on up to 3 energy-efficient shower heads.
Q: I have more than one thermostat in my home. Can I get more than one thermostat rebate?
A: Yes. If you are a residential heating customer of Columbia Gas of Ohio, you may receive rebates on up to two ENERGY STAR® qualified programmable thermostats.
Q: How much can I really save by using a programmable thermostat?
A: By replacing a conventional thermostat with an eligible programmable thermostat and using the new thermostat consistently, you could lower your annual heating and cooling costs by up to $180.
Q: How much can I save by using an energy-efficient shower head?
A: A conventional shower head uses 2.5 gallons of water per minute. Assuming a 10-minute shower, a 1.75 gallons-per-minute efficient shower head would save the customer 2,737 gallons of water per year, saving them money on both their natural gas and water bills.