FAQ

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The Organization

  • What is MEC?

The Metropolitan Energy Center (MEC) is a community-based non-profit in Kansas City Missouri that provides local residents, property owners and businesses with a one-stop shop of who to call, what to do, and how to pay for it when it comes to creating a more comfortable, efficient and affordable home or building.

The mission of the Metropolitan Energy Center is to help create resource efficiency, environmental health and economic vitality in the Kansas City region.

  • What counties does MEC serve?

MEC services Kansas City and Kansas City, Kansas and the surrounding counties of XXXXXX.

  • When was MEC started?

MEC was formed in 1980 and incorporated June 6, 1983 as a nonprofit organization.

  • How is MEC involved with the Home Performance with Energy Star program and others?

In XX of XXX, Bob Housh and Dustin Jenson, XXXXXx XXXXXXXXXXXXXx XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXx

  • Is MEC part of local government?

No. MEC is a separate, non-profit organization that works closely with the Kansas City, KCK, and XXX. MEC’s start-up capital came from a $XXX,XXX competitive grant initially awarded to the City and County from XXX. City and County elected officials both sit on MEC’s Board.

  • Is MEC affiliated with a political party?

No. MEC is a non-partisan, non-profit organization. People of all political persuasions and income levels live and work in buildings. Energy efficiency has been embraced by Kansas City’s Republican's and Democratic's alike. Conserving energy, saving money, and improving the health and durability of our homes is just a smart investment.

  • Where does MEC get its funding?

LEAP’s start-up capital came from XXXXXXXX.

Recently MEC was awarded two grants to XXX

The Work

  • When and how can I get a home energy performance assessment (sometimes known as an “energy audit”) and home energy improvements for my home?

MEC can help you begin. Learn more.

  • Are there incentives or rebates I can access?


Yes. Please visit this page for more information.

  • What kind of financing does MEC offer?


MEC is XXXXXXXX.

  • I'm a contractor and want to participate in this program - what do I need to do?


Contact LEAP to find out more information. There is a pre-qualification process, and for energy auditors, a Building Performance Institute Building Analyst certification requirement.

  • What is the cost and payback period for common energy efficiency measures?

Cost and payback have everything to do with the size of your home and how you interact with it. Some folks replace an inefficient refrigerator with an ENERGY STAR model and then move the old one to the basement or garage and plug it in there. Ultimately, this will not do much to help their bills! Nor will installing the home energy improvements and increasing or decreasing the thermostat temperature relative to where you usually set it. That being said, air and duct sealing, adding attic insulation, and upgrading a major mechanical system like a furnace or heat pump can cost around $8000 before rebates or other incentives. Payback for a full retrofit can be as short as 5 - 6 years depending on how high your energy bills were to begin with.

  • How does energy efficiency help economic development or create jobs here locally?

Retrofitting a home for energy performance cannot be off-shored or out-sourced. It has to be done here locally and thus the money which pays for it likely stays in our community, much like the money saved on utility bills will as well. When local residents are getting paid a living wage to do valuable work or can put more of their already hard-earned dollars in their bank accounts, they are more likely to spend it at local businesses, thus increasing the prosperity for us all.

  • How can commercial property owners get involved?

MEC is developing a commercial program for launch in XXXX 2011. Email us to let us know of your interest and we will be back in touch with details soon.

  • How can renters get involved?

MEC periodically offers low and no cost home energy improvements seminars, which are great for renters as well as homeowners to attend. Sign up for our e-newsletter to be alerted when the next free seminar is announced.

  • How do I find a MEC-certified contractor?

Click here to view our list of participating contractors.

  • If I do the home energy performance assessment but don’t follow through with the retrofit, can I still get a rebate on the audit?

MEC offers the rebates for the audit only after a work order has been signed with a MEC-certified contractor.

  • What are some simple things I can do to make my home more energy efficient?

Check out this interactive graphic created by ENERGY STAR for tips on improving your home’s energy performance. While the do-it-yourself measures are important, MEC encourages all homeowners to take a “whole house” approach where you analyze the costs and benefits of specific actions and develop a prioritized plan of action in consultation with specialists.