Energy-efficient irrigation upgrades can reduce energy use and help lower your power bills
Idaho Power’s Irrigation Efficiency Rewards Programs can help agricultural irrigation customers upgrade to more energy-efficient equipment and system designs, earning cash incentives while reducing ongoing energy costs.
The program is available to Idaho Power customers who own or operate an irrigation system used for agricultural crops or pasturage and receive electricity from Idaho Power under the Irrigation power schedule.
Through this program, you may qualify to receive an incentive from Idaho Power for a portion of the cost to install a new, more efficient system or to make energy-efficient improvements to an existing system. This program helps you pay for energy-efficient irrigation system upgrades and encourages efficient electricity use. There are three different programs irrigation customers can participate in and receive incentives for. Program descriptions, incentives, application processes, and terms and conditions are listed below for each program.
Custom Incentive
Custom Incentive
The custom incentive pays you an incentive based on an estimated annual reduction in energy use. For existing systems, the incentive is based on energy savings estimated by Idaho Power of your proposed modifications. For a new system, the incentive is based on installation of a system Idaho Power determines to be more energy efficient than standard. Water source changes to an existing system will be treated as a new system. The incentive you receive is determined by the following criteria based on annual kilowatt-hour (kWh) or kilowatt (kW) savings effective Jan. 1, 2025:
- Existing System – $0.30 per annual kWh saved or $540 per kW (Incentive will not exceed 75% of project cost)
- New System – $0.30 per annual kWh saved (Incentive will not exceed 10% of project cost)
For example, if Idaho Power estimates your new, more efficient pump will save 15,000 kWh of electricity in an irrigation season, you would receive an incentive for $4,500 (15,000 kWh x $0.30 = $4,500) – assuming this amount does not exceed 75% of the project cost on an existing system or 10% of the cost on a new system.
Idaho Power’s agriculture representatives will conduct a free energy evaluation to help determine what can make your system more energy efficient.
Custom Incentive Application Process
- Establish your eligibility. All Idaho Power customers who own or operate an irrigation system used for irrigation of agricultural crops or pasturage that receives electricity from Idaho Power at the Irrigation power rate are eligible to participate in Idaho Power’s Irrigation Efficiency Rewards Program.
- Evaluate your system. Determine how or if your irrigation system could be more energy efficient. You may request an evaluation or planning assistance by an Idaho Power agricultural representative (ag rep) in your area.
- Make a plan. Work with your ag rep to develop a plan that will provide the opportunity for the most energy savings and largest incentive.
- Get a bid. Obtain an itemized estimated of the cost to modify or install your irrigation system from an irrigation equipment or pump dealer of your choice.
- Apply for incentive. Work with your ag rep to complete the Custom Incentive Application and prepared supporting documentation including:
- Itemized bid from your supplier for the project — existing or new irrigation system (indicate make, model and specifications of all equipment)
- Irrigation system drawing including 1) location of pumps and water sources, 2) mainline sizes, lengths, types and locations, 3) elevations and 4) acres
- Pump curve (noting number of stages and impeller diameter)
- Topographical map of irrigation system area
- Aerial map of irrigated acres
- When the application and required documentation has been submitted, Idaho Power will calculate energy and demand savings for your installed irrigation system. If your application is approved, Idaho Power will inform you of your estimated energy savings and corresponding estimated incentive payment. Once the system is installed, provide a copy of paid invoices to your ag rep. The ag rep will validate that the installed system matches the information provided in the application, and that the installed system complies with Idaho Power Utility Rules. Please refer to Idaho Power Rules and example Rule K-Harmonics for additional information on Oregon and Idaho Rules. The mailed incentive check amount is based on the installed system.
Application will not be processed until all documentation is submitted
By submitting this application, you agree to comply with and be bound by the Irrigation Custom Incentive Terms and Conditions, as updated from time to time, available on Idaho Power’s website and incorporated by reference as if set forth herein. Hard copies of the Irrigation Custom Incentive Terms and Conditions will be provided upon request.
Menu Incentive
Menu Incentive
The menu incentive option pays you an incentive for the purchase of specific replacement parts and components for your existing irrigation system. The incentive varies by the sprinkler component or part incorporated into your sprinkler system.
For example, if you purchase new flow-control nozzles and all new gaskets for your irrigation system on 40 acres with two lines, each a quarter of a mile long, you would receive an incentive for $448 (64 nozzles x $5.00 = $320 + 64 gaskets x $2.00 = $128 for a total of $448). Incentives are limited to 100% of invoice cost and two measures per acre every three years.
Menu Incentive Application Process
- Review the Irrigation Menu Efficiency Incentive Terms and Conditions. Irrigation Menu Efficiency is a different program than Irrigation Custom Efficiency and each program has its own Terms and Conditions.
- Review sprinkler parts covered by the Menu Incentive to determine which apply to your system. If needed, an Idaho Power agriculture representative may help you.
- Determine how many parts are needed to replace existing and worn sprinkler parts on your system. Purchase and install them on your irrigation system. All components are limited to two per acre, every three years.
- Complete the Menu Incentive Application online and submit the invoices and application electronically to irrigation@idahopower.com OR mail the completed application (including invoices) to:
Irrigation Efficiency CHQ-8 Idaho Power P.O. Box 70 Boise, ID 83707-0070
Receipts or invoices itemizing the sprinkler parts must accompany each application. Applicants have one year from the date of purchase to qualify components for a Menu Incentive.
Your incentive will be paid by check and sent directly to you after Idaho Power has determined, at its sole discretion, that you have complied with the Irrigation Menu Efficiency Incentive terms and conditions of the Irrigation Efficiency Rewards program.
Green Motors
Green Motors Program
Information on incentives for the Green Motors Program and qualifications can be found on the Green Motors Program page.
Note: Program continuation, eligibility requirements and menu terms and conditions apply.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is eligible for this program?
All Idaho Power customers who own or operate an irrigation system used for irrigation of agricultural crops or pastures receiving electricity from Idaho Power.
Can I turn in more than one Menu Incentive application?
Yes, submit an application for each pump service location. However, if you received an incentive for specific components at a given service location, those same components are not eligible for an incentive again for three years.
How do I participate in the Menu Incentive option?
Complete and sign a Menu Incentive application, attach the required receipts or invoices itemizing the sprinkler parts, and mail to Idaho Power within one year from the date of purchase or email to irrigation@idahopower.com.
What if I submit a Custom Incentive application and then change something about the project?
If the project is installed differently than proposed, energy savings and the incentive will be recalculated.
How is this program funded?
It is funded through the Energy Efficiency Services charges collected monthly on Idaho Power customers’ bills, as approved by the Idaho Public Utilities Commission.
Why is Idaho Power paying me to use less energy?
Energy efficiency benefits all of our customers because it helps delay the need to acquire more costly resources to meet the load of the electric system. Energy efficiency is good for your business because it can reduce your costs.
How can I get assistance to determine if I should make a change?
You can contact your local Idaho Power agriculture representative and/or seek recommendations and bids from local irrigation system dealers.
How do projects qualify for a Custom Incentive?
Idaho Power calculates the anticipated energy savings for your project. Calculations are based on previous energy use and the proposed pump modifications or new system specifications. Qualifying projects receive a notice along with an Irrigation Efficiency Rewards Program Agreement, which must be signed by you and returned to Idaho Power. Idaho Power reserves the right to deny Custom Incentive participation for irrigation systems that do not comply with industry standards.
How does Idaho Power calculate the Custom Incentive?
Idaho Power calculates the energy-savings estimate based on past energy use data for the service location and compares it to the calculated energy use of the system with the proposed changes. The calculated number is based on the submitted information. For existing system upgrades, this energy savings estimate is multiplied by $0.30 per kWh or $540 per kW and compared to 75% of the total project cost to determine which is less. For a new system, the calculation is $0.30 per annual kWh saved, not to exceed 10% of the total project cost. The incentive can change if the final invoices vary from the original estimate.
How does Idaho Power calculate the Menu Incentive?
The Menu Incentive option encourages energy-efficient improvements to an existing irrigation system by covering a portion of the costs to replace specific components. Incentives are available for qualifying replacement parts and components, up to two per acre of like components in a three-year period, selected from a predetermined list. The incentive amount varies by component and in no event will exceed the actual purchase price. The incentive price per unit listed in the Menu Incentive Application, limited to 100% of the purchase price, will be multiplied by the number of qualifying components purchased to calculate the amount of the incentive payment. Incentive payments will be applied first to any outstanding balance owed to Idaho Power and its affiliates.
Why is an Irrigation Efficiency Custom Rewards Program Agreement necessary?
Idaho Power is committed to the success of this program. To ensure the program benefits you and Idaho Power, you will be asked to sign the agreement that sets forth the specific terms and conditions of this program.
What pump modifications qualify for the Custom Incentive option?
For assistance with a PDF on this page or to request a PDF in an alternate format, please contact Customer Service at 208-388-2323 or 1-800-488-6151
