Verify each incentive separately
Ask for a written list with the program name, administrator, eligible account, exact qualifying equipment, applicable installation date, proposed amount, and current terms. Have the administrator confirm the rules that apply before signing. Do not treat a combined incentive total as one guaranteed payment.
The same guide warns that funding and requirements can change. Its January publication is a dated source, not a guarantee of today's available funds. Efficiency Works program guide.
If other utility or state programs are included, check their own rules and who receives each payment. An Efficiency Works payment arrangement does not establish another program's arrangement.
Put cash flow and responsibility into the contract
Request the gross project price, each conditional deduction, deposit, progress payments, and final amount due. Ask whether an “upfront” deduction is applied at signing, on the final invoice, or only after the contractor receives funds.
Then ask the important risk question: “If this rebate is not paid, does my price change?” Have the contract address missing paperwork, ineligible equipment, missed deadlines, depleted funding, and changes requested by either party. Ask who corrects an application problem and who must respond to the administrator.
We would not sign a lower net price while leaving that answer verbal. An assigned payment is not automatically a guarantee that the contractor absorbs every denial.
If you pay first
Ask for the expected payment process, submission owner, required homeowner signatures, proof of submission, and a way to track the application. Plan your budget so you can carry the full payment until a confirmed rebate arrives. Do not use a promised processing time as guaranteed financing.
Keep the signed proposal, final invoice, model documentation, and application record together. Have the contractor explain how corrections or equipment substitutions will be handled before work starts.
Your next action is a written incentive-and-payment schedule. Choose the option with the clearest responsibilities and an affordable worst-case payment, not simply the smallest number on the quote.