PSE encourages residential customers to take advantage of up to $8,000
in combined utility rebates and federal tax credits to make energy efficient
home improvements
To help support green jobs, bolster the economy and save energy and
the environment
BELLEVUE, Wash. (April 14, 2009) – Puget Sound Energy is encouraging residential customers to take advantage of up to $8,000 in combined utility rebates and potential federal tax credits to make energy efficient home improvements this year that will help support green jobs and could pay for themselves by next year with energy savings that will continue for years to come.
“If PSE residential customers are considering upgrading windows, doors, insulation or heating equipment, 2009 is the year to do it,” said Cal Shirley, vice president of Energy Efficiency Services for PSE. “They’ll get PSE rebates right away, may be able to claim a tax credit on next year’s return and will enjoy lower annual utility costs for years to come. With all these savings combined, investments that also improve home values could pay for themselves by next April and at the same time support local green jobs, bolster the economy and protect the environment.”
The recent stimulus bill extends energy efficiency federal tax credits into 2010 and increases the maximum dollar amount allowed to $1,500. In addition, PSE customers can take advantage of PSE rebates and incentives totaling as much as $6,500 for energy efficiency home improvements, including the purchase of ENERGY STAR® rated appliances or equipment and converting from electric to natural gas home and water heating.
By combining the two opportunities, PSE customers can maximize savings. For example, a home insulation upgrade could qualify for as much as $1,600 from PSE and another $1,500 in tax credits. “PSE is committed to providing our customers with resources and programs to help them save energy and welcomes the added support of the federal government,” Shirley continued.
Both PSE rebates and federal tax credits are available for upgrades to windows and doors, insulation installation, energy efficient HVAC equipment such as ENERGY STAR rated natural gas furnaces, air-source heat pumps and ductless heat pump systems, and ENERGY STAR rated water heaters.
PSE rebates for energy efficient home improvements
In addition to the rebates below, customers may be eligible for up to $1,500 in federal tax credits.
| Part of home |
Equipment/upgrade |
Rebate |
| |
|
|
| Efficient appliances |
Lighting fixtures |
$2-20 |
| |
Clothes washers |
$50-100 |
| Efficient upgrades |
Insulation |
$100-1,600 |
| |
Windows |
$500 |
| Natural gas heating* |
Natural gas furnace |
$350 |
| |
Natural gas water heater |
$50-150 |
| |
Stand alone natural gas water heater conversion |
$950 |
| |
Natural gas conversion |
$500-$3,950 |
| Electric heating upgrades* |
Air source heat pumps |
$200-350 |
| |
Ductless heat pumps |
$1,200 |
| |
|
|
| Total available per household |
$6,500 |
* Typically customers would only select one or the other.
PSE is available and stands ready to help cities and communities with advice on how to use forthcoming stimulus funds to benefit their constituents by making energy efficiency upgrades that will have a positive impact on city and county budgets.
PSE recommends that homeowners consult with their tax professional and contractor on equipment qualifications before making a final decision on which home improvements to complete in order to claim the tax credits. PSE Energy Advisors can provide details on rebates available through the utility’s many energy efficiency programs for high efficiency appliances and equipment. To learn more about how homeowners can take advantage of PSE rebates, visit PSE.com or call a PSE Energy Advisor at 1-800-562-1482.
Contact
Rebekah Anderson, 1-888-831-7250
About Puget Sound Energy
Washington state’s oldest and largest energy utility, with a 6,000-square-mile service area stretching across 11 counties, Puget Sound Energy serves more than 1 million electric customers and nearly 750,000 natural gas customers. PSE, a subsidiary of Puget Energy, meets the energy needs of its growing customer base primarily in Western Washington through incremental, cost-effective energy conservation, procurement of sustainable energy resources, and far-sighted investment in the energy-delivery infrastructure. PSE employees are dedicated to providing great customer service to deliver energy that is safe, reliable, reasonably priced, and environmentally responsible.