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Thursday, Nov. 5

We're watching the forecast and preparing for gusty winds Friday, followed by a stronger weather system Saturday night into Sunday. We expect stormy weather conditions to persist for the next few weeks. Many trees still have vegetation and that could lead to additional outages associated with the weather systems this weekend.

We understand how difficult it is to be without power. Our teams are preparing to respond, we're adding staff for the weekend, and crews will remain in the field to assess damage and restore power as long as it is safe. If your power goes out, we'll work around the clock to restore it as quickly and safely as possible.

As we prepare for storm conditions, we encourage our customers to do the same:

  • Make sure to have emergency supplies at home and in your vehicle, such as extra batteries, flashlights, food and blankets.
  • Have a battery-powered radio ready to go.
  • Charge cell phones and mobile devices in case the power goes out.
  • Download the PSE mobile outage app to track and report outages or visit pse.com/outagemap.
  • Find more preparedness tips at pse.com/storm.    

Visit PSE’s Alerts and Advisories page for more information: pse.com/alerts.


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Safety first:

  • Assume all wires on the ground are energized. Never touch or go within 35 feet of any wire on the ground. Call PSE at 1-888-225-5773 or 911 to report any wire on the ground.
  • If you’re using portable heaters, keep them away from furniture, draperies and other flammable materials.
  • Always use flashlights instead of candles.
  • Be aware of the dangers of carbon monoxide poisoning:
    • Never install or use a generator indoors or in enclosed or partially-enclosed areas, even those that are ventilated. When using your generator outdoors during a power outage, avoid placing it near windows, doors and vents. More generator safety tips: pse.com/en/pages/generator-safety.
    • Never use a natural gas range for heating, or charcoal as an indoor heating or cooking source.
    • Additional carbon monoxide safety information: pse.com/en/pages/carbon-monoxide.
  • Never charge your phone or other devices in a running vehicle with the garage door closed.

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.


Informational
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
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

    airsourceheatpump

    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.

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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.

ask advisor
Join our Midstream Program

Are you a distributor or contractor? Learn more about PSE’s Midstream program. Contact Us at psemidstreamteam@icf.com

info construction
Need a contractor?

Request a PSE Recommended Energy Professional (REP) to complete your energy efficient improvement upgrade.