CEO’s Report: Marketing electrification

May 20, 2025

Heartland Energy offers electrification rebates as part of our commitment to helping public power utilities enhance reliability, meet growing energy demands, and support economic growth in their communities.

By incentivizing the adoption of electric technologies such as heat pumps, electric vehicles and water heaters, we can help utilities boost electric load in a manageable, strategic way.

This not only increases system efficiency and revenue potential but also helps utilities strengthen customer relationships by facilitating the transition to cleaner, more sustainable energy solutions.

 

Boosting program visibility

Heartland Energy has long offered a variety of rebates to encourage the adoption of energy-efficient electric technologies, ranging from electric heating systems and water heaters to electric vehicle chargers and commercial equipment.

These programs are designed to support utility customers in making smart, cost-effective upgrades while also increasing overall electric load—a win-win for both consumers and public power providers.

Despite the value these incentives bring, one of the ongoing challenges has been raising awareness among end-use customers.

While utilities promote rebates locally and Heartland shares information through our website and social media channels, many potential participants remain unaware these savings exist.

 

Targeted approach

To bridge this gap, Heartland has developed a new approach to better connect with the people most likely to influence or make decisions about electric upgrades. We’ve created a comprehensive database of electricians, plumbers, contractors, and building centers throughout our service area.

By marketing directly to these professionals, who often serve as trusted advisors to homeowners and businesses, we can more effectively spread the word about our incentives.

We are planning to utilize direct mail to educate them on the incentives as well as provide promotional materials (below) they can give to clients when discussing their options.

This targeted outreach will complement our ongoing communications on social media and through utility partners, creating multiple touchpoints to increase awareness and participation in our rebate programs.

Ultimately, our goal is to empower more customers to take advantage of these opportunities and help utilities build a stronger, more efficient electric system.

Increasing awareness

By expanding our outreach and engaging directly with the professionals who help shape energy decisions, Heartland Energy is taking a proactive step toward increasing participation in our rebate programs.

These efforts not only enhance customer awareness but also strengthen the role of public power utilities in driving electrification and energy efficiency.

Together, these efforts will ensure more customers take advantage of available rebates, maximizing the impact for both utilities and the communities they serve.

If you would like a list of professionals we will be contacting in your area, please reach out to Heartland Chief Communications Officer Ann Hyland.