Incentive, Rebate Programs Feed Green Growth

States, Utilities Augment Federally Sponsored Rebate/Tax Credit Programs

States and utilities have joined the push for greater efficiency, including:

• Delaware, which announced in late June that it had awarded its 10,000th appliance rebate. That program runs through August 31, 2010. Through the Appliance Rebate Program, residents can download and submit rebate forms to receive up to $200 back on clothes washers, water heaters, room air conditioners and dishwashers. More information can be found at www.energizedelaware.com.
• California’s major energy provider, Pacific Gas & Electric, is offering cash incentives to residents seeking to incorporate photovoltaics as part of the California Solar Initiative program. The company provides a free home energy audit prior to installation. Additionally, the utility company offers cash rebates to customers who recycle their old refrigerator, freezer or room air conditioner through JACO Environmental, the utility's recycling partner. More information can be found at www.pge.com.
• EmPower New York is a New York State program that provides no-cost electricity reduction measures (including refrigerators, freezers, air sealing and insulation) to income-qualified customers of a number of regional utility providers. Additional information can be found at www.getenergysmart.org.
• The Tennessee Valley Authority is offering free Energy Conservation Kits to its customers in Tennessee in an ongoing effort aimed at raising awareness of energy efficiency. TVA offers this free kit to any residential customer who completes a mail-in or online home-energy audit through the utility. The kit includes two CFLs (compact fluorescent light bulbs), two faucet aerators, a home thermometer and more. For more information, visit www.energyright.com.
• TexasIsHot.org is a Texas state-run Web site that is a clearinghouse of information on current statewide rebates and tax credits available. The site also indexes information on federal and individual municipal incentives.
• Puget Sound Energy is offering a rebate to customers in Washington who upgrade their home's single-pane windows to double-pane. Eligible windows must have a U-factor of .33 or better. The rebate is worth up to $500. Fore more information, visit www.pse.com.
• Alliant Energy/Interstate Power & Light is offering low-interest financing to customers in Iowa who wish to make energy-efficiency improvements to their homes, including HVAC updates, appliances and more. Visit www.alliantenergy.com

For information about rebates in a clients’ area, contact their utility provider and visit www.energy.gov.