Midstream customer

Fire Weather Forecasted 

Due to current weather forecasts calling for strong thunderstorms, localized high winds and low humidities across the Kittitas Valley, Enhanced Powerline Settings (EPS) are expected to remain in place in this area until high-risk conditions improve, currently forecasted for Saturday night.

We’ve also added additional staffing for our first responders and our operations center.

These settings are designed to help keep you safe, but they may result in unplanned power outages. This is NOT a Public Safety Power Shutoff (PSPS), where we proactively turn off power in advance of severe weather.

For more information or to report a power outage, visit PSE’s Outage map.

Residential Midstream HVAC

The Puget Sound Energy (PSE) Midstream HVAC program is designed to promote the benefits of energy-efficient HVAC heating systems. Distributors can pass through a discount if the unit being purchased meets the criteria below.

End-use customers* can expect the equipment rebate from their contractor. Ask your contractor or distributor about receiving a discount on your new high-efficiency electric heat pump equipment. Find a contractor here.

Reference the table below for qualifying products. Equipment incentives are passed down to end-use customers* through participating distributors.

PSE offers these same incentives to commercial customers – visit our commercial midstream page here.

Qualifying Equipment

SEER2/HSPF2 rated residential air-cooled heat pumps (<5.4 tons)

Limit 1 unit per residential retrofit project. Limit 2 per residential new construction project.

Equipment type	Sub type	Project Type	TIER	SEER2	HSPF2	Total Rebate ($ PER UNIT)
Air-source heat pumps	Mini-/multi-split, split, or packaged	Retrofit only	1	15.2	8.1	$300
		Retrofit or new construction	2	15.2	8.5	$400
		Retrofit or new construction	3	16	9.5	$600

*End-use customers are PSE electric customers who purchase qualifying equipment from a participating distributor or contractor.

What is SEER(2)? HSPF(2)?

Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio (SEER/SEER2) is most commonly used to measure the efficiency of a central air conditioner. The higher the SEER, the more efficient the system. SEER measures how efficiently a cooling system will operate over an entire season. In technical terms, SEER is a measure of the total cooling of a central air conditioner or heat pump (in Btu) during the normal cooling season as compared to the total electric energy input (in watt-hours) consumed during the same period. This measure of efficiency is specific to the temperate climate in the middle of the U.S. Recently testing procedures have been refined to introduce the SEER2 rating.

Heat Seasonal Performance Factor (HSPF/HSPF2) is the most commonly used measure of a heat pumps heating efficiency. The higher the HSPF, the more efficient the heat pump. In technical terms, HSPF represents the total heating output of a heat pump (including supplementary electric heat) during the normal heating season (in Btu) as compared to the total electricity consumed (in watt-hours) during the same period. Recently testing procedures have been refined to introduce the HSPF2 rating.

Source: www.energystar.gov
Ductless heat pump facts
A ductless heat pump is a highly energy-efficient heating and cooling system that runs without the energy losses associated with the ductwork of a central forced-air system. As it doesn't require ducts to carry conditioned air, it is the preferred system for additions to your home, newer homes that only require a small space conditioning system or areas of your home that you wish to condition in zones.

Other benefits include:

Ductless heat pumps use between 25 and 50 percent less energy to heat your home

An ultra-quiet fan evenly circulates air, eliminating hot and cold spots

Installation in your home is inexpensive, simple and quick, which makes for little or no disruption

Ductless systems come standard with air conditioning, so you can get rid of window units
Air-source heat pump facts

An air-source heat pump is a high-efficiency heating and cooling system that can deliver between one-and-a-half and three times more heat energy to a home than the electrical energy it uses.

A less efficient panel of electric coils kicks in to provide additional indoor heating when outdoor temperatures fall below 40 degrees Fahrenheit, so it's generally not a preferred system for regions with sub-freezing winter temperatures.

TIP: The installation of a heat pump or air conditioner can sometimes cause a fluctuation in the power supply when your equipment starts. This may result in a visible flicker of the lighting in your home or your neighbors' homes.

To ensure that your heat pump installation does not have a negative effect on power quality, it's important to discuss this issue with your contractor. For additional assistance, call a PSE Customer Construction Services specialist at 1-888-321-7779.