Cowlitz County PUD Window Rebates: Get Paid to Replace Your Windows and Exterior Doors (2026 Guide)

If you’ve lived through a winter in Longview or a humid summer in Kelso, you know that old, drafty windows and doors aren't just uncomfortable—they are expensive.

The good news? In 2026, homeowners in Cowlitz County have a unique opportunity to offset the cost of high-performance window replacement. By combining Cowlitz PUD rebates with Federal Tax Credits, you can save thousands of dollars on an upgrade that lowers your monthly power bill for life.

Here is everything you need to know about qualifying for these incentives this year.

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1. The Cowlitz PUD Window Rebate:

Cowlitz PUD offers one of the most aggressive energy efficiency programs in Washington. They don't just give a flat "per window" fee; they pay you based on the square footage of the glass you replace.

The Potential Payout:

• Owner-Occupied Homes: $8 per square foot of window replaced.

• Multifamily Buildings: Up to $15 per square foot.

• Exterior Doors: $40 per door for uninsulated door replacements.

  
  

If you are a low-income eligible customer, these rebates can increase to $45 per square foot of window replaced and $700 per door.

Critical Eligibility Requirements:

To keep your rebate eligibility, you must follow these PUD rules:

• The Pre-Audit: You cannot start work until Cowlitz PUD completes a pre-installation energy audit.

• Heating Source: Your home must be primarily heated by electricity (electric forced-air furnace, heat pump, or baseboard heaters) in at least 50% of the living space.

• Current Window Type: You must be replacing single-pane windows or double-pane windows with metal frames.

• Efficiency Standards: New windows must have an NFRC-rated U-Factor of 0.30 or lower. (Patio doors must be 0.35 or lower).

2. Federal Tax Credit (25C): Save an Extra $600

On top of your local PUD check, the federal government allows you to claim the Energy Efficient Home Improvement Credit on your 2026 tax return.

• The Credit: 30% of the product cost, capped at $600 per year for windows.

• Requirements: Windows must meet Energy Star Most Efficient criteria.

• Stacking: Yes, you can stack this with your PUD rebate! While the PUD rebate often covers a huge portion of the project, this tax credit helps cover the remaining "out-of-pocket" equipment costs.

3. How to Maximize Your Savings (Step-by-Step)

Navigating the utility paperwork is fairly straightforward. Here is the exact process we recommend for Cowlitz County residents:

1. Call the PUD First: Contact Cowlitz PUD Energy Efficiency Services at (360) 501-9514 to schedule your mandatory pre-audit.

2. Get a Qualified Quote: Work with a contractor (like us!) who understands Cowlitz PUD and BPA (Bonneville Power Administration) installation standards.

3. Choose the Right Glass: Ensure your estimate specifically lists windows with a U-Factor of 0.30 or less. This is the "magic number" for both the rebate and the tax credit.

4. Install & Inspect: After we install your windows, the PUD will perform a post-installation inspection to verify the work meets their high efficiency standards.

5. Collect Your Rebate: Once approved, the rebate is issued. We can even help you process the paperwork to make it as seamless as possible.

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Why Choose a Local Cowlitz County Expert?

Replacing windows in the Pacific Northwest requires more than just a hammer and nails. Between the moisture levels in Castle Rock and the specific rebate requirements in Kalama, you need a partner who knows the local codes, proper installation practices, and the utility programs inside and out.

Stop "heating the outdoors" this winter. With current 2026 incentives, there has never been a more affordable time to upgrade to high-performance, Energy Star-rated windows.

Ready to see how much you can save?

Contact us today for a complimentary consultation. We’ll help you navigate the Cowlitz PUD audit process and ensure you get every dollar you're entitled to.

Serving homeowners throughout Cowlitz County, including Longview, Kelso, Castle Rock, and Kalama