What is Tree Power?

• Tree power is a nationwide program that was developed by the American Public Power Association to encourage customers of public power utilities to plant trees.
  
• Utilities offer incentives to their customers in the form of rebates for planting shade trees on their property.
  
• We have established funds that will be available in rebate form to our electric customers when they meet all of the eligibility conditions. Funds are limited and will be available on a first-come, first-served basis. There is a limit of two trees per customer per year. To guarantee there will be funds available for your purchase, call 332-0100.

Why are we sponsoring this program?

• It gives us an opportunity to educate our customers about what type of trees to plant and where, which can reduce our tree trimming costs.
  
• Planting the proper tree in the correct location can provide valuable shade. Shading your home can reduce air conditioning loads by up to 25%. This in turn not only saves money for our customers, but also reduces our demand and transmission charges that we pay to our energy supplier.
  
• Trees help clean the air by absorbing carbon dioxide and releasing oxygen, which is good for our environment. They also provide shelter for wildlife and enhance the beauty of our homes and community.

How does the program work?

• If you are interested in the incentive program you must first call us at 332-0100 and make an appointment for one of our staff to come to your home. They will provide you with an application and a list of approved trees. They will also help you to determine the proper placement of the tree. Trees planted on the south or west side of your house will provide the greatest benefit.
  
• After you have chosen a location of the tree, you must call Iowa One Call (800-292-8989) to inform them that you want to plant a tree. This company contacts all area utilities so they can locate underground services. There is no cost for this service.
  
• Go to your nursery and select a tree from the approved list. The tree must have a trunk diameter of at least 1 inch.
  
• Plant the tree in the selected spot. The nursery may offer a planting service or can offer you some planting and care tips.
  
• Fill out the application and attach the sales receipt for the purchase. The sales receipt or paid invoice must indicate the price of the tree, date of purchase, nursery’s name, description of the tree type or species and trunk size (caliper).
  
• The completed application can be dropped off or mailed to our office at 700 7th Avenue N.E. Applications must be submitted within 60 days of purchase.
  
• After processing your application and final site inspection, your account will be credited 50% of the price of the tree, not to exceed $50.  This rebate does not apply to any planting supplies such as fertilizer of stakes or any planting service fees.