PSE to join national coalition for energy-efficient water heaters
Customers can now receive rebates on ENERGY STAR rated models
BELLEVUE, WASH. (May 27, 2009) – Puget Sound Energy announced today that the utility is joining the Coalition for ENERGY STAR® Water Heaters formed by the Consortium for Energy Efficiency (CEE) to help make energy efficient home water heating more accessible to the utility’s customers in Western Washington.
“Water heating is typically the second largest use of home energy. When consumers install an ENERGY STAR qualified water heater, they consume less energy, lower their bills, and reduce their environmental impact,” said Cal Shirley, vice president of Energy Efficiency Services for PSE. “PSE supports the coalition and its outreach to PSE customers. We want to spread the message that ENERGY STAR ratings take the guesswork out of selecting models that qualify for PSE rebates.”
Before ENERGY STAR applied ratings to water heaters, PSE customers needed to know if the efficiency rating of the equipment they were about to purchase would qualify for PSE rebates. By joining CEE’s coalition, PSE rebates will apply to any water heating equipment with an ENERGY STAR rating, significantly simplifying the rebate process for PSE customers.
The combined possible incentives from PSE for both natural gas water heating equipment and conversion costs can total $1,100 per household. PSE customers qualify for a $50 rebate off the purchase of ENERGY STAR rated natural gas storage water heaters and a $150 rebate off ENERGY STAR rated natural gas tankless water heaters. PSE electric customers can also receive up to a $950 rebate when converting to natural gas water heating.
Water heaters with an ENERGY STAR rating have a higher first hour recovery rate, use less energy to heat and store water due to better tank insulation and have a much higher energy efficiency rating than standard water heaters, allowing customers to save energy without sacrificing comfort.
With the launch of ENERGY STAR qualified water heaters in 2009, CEE determined a need for a coalition of industry leaders to increase awareness of high-efficiency water heaters among the general public and other targeted audiences. CEE sought out companies and organizations with a like interest and approached them about a partnership. PSE was selected because of its dedication to renewable energy and its support of green residential home heating uses, its Green Power Program, and the utility’s residential incentives and rebates for energy-efficiency efforts.
“PSE goes above and beyond its requirements as a utility company to provide energy efficiency services to its customers while continuing to advocate efficient heating methods,” said Kara Rodgers, senior program manager for CEE. “PSE’s dedication is admirable, and the coalition is honored that they are willing to devote time and resources to making a difference in long-term energy consumption in the U.S.”
The Coalition for ENERGY STAR Water Heaters is a group consisting of 12 utility companies such as PSE from across the nation, four leading water heater manufacturers, and the CEE. The coalition has also partnered with the U.S. Department of Energy and Natural Resources Canada to promote consumer adoption of energy-efficient water heaters.
In addition to rebates for water heaters, PSE offers free efficiency showerheads and faucet aerators to help customers save on water heating. PSE customers can receive rebates on energy efficiency home improvements that can total as much as $7,000, and combined with federal stimulus package tax credits, could total up to $8,500.
To learn more about how homeowners can save energy and take advantage of PSE rebates, visit For Your Home on PSE.com or call a PSE Energy Advisor at 1-800-562-1482.
Media 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.
About CEE:
CEE is a consortium of efficiency program administrators from across the U.S. and Canada who work together on common approaches to advancing efficiency. Through joining forces, the individual efficiency programs of CEE are able to partner not only with each other, but also with other industries, trade associations, and government agencies. By working together at CEE, administrators leverage the effect of their funding dollars, exchange information on effective practices and, by doing so, achieve greater energy efficiency for the public good.
About ENERGY STAR:
The ENERGY STAR program was introduced by the Environmental Protection Agency in 1992 as a voluntary, market-based partnership to reduce greenhouse gas emissions through energy efficiency. Today, the ENERGY STAR label can be found on more than 50 different kinds of products, new homes, and commercial and industrial buildings. Products and buildings that have earned the ENERGY STAR designation prevent greenhouse gas emissions by meeting strict energy efficiency specifications set by the government. In 2007 alone, Americans, with the help of the ENERGY STAR program, saved about $16 billion on their energy bills while reducing the greenhouse gas emissions equivalent to those of 27 million vehicles.