Energy-efficiency programs for California customers
Dear Consumer Advisor,
Since the "energy crisis" in California, I've heard a lot about energy-efficiency programs and rebates. I know that many of these programs are funded by the public purpose charge that appears on my utility bill every month. Since I'm paying for these programs, I'd like to benefit from them. However, I don't know what programs and rebates are available or how do go about finding this information. Do you have any suggestions?
Sincerely, Want A. Rebate
Dear Want A. Rebate,
There
are various programs and rebates available for energy-efficiency
appliances and improvements. First, you want to find out what is
available through your utility. You can call them, or go to their
website, where a list of programs and rebates with detailed information
is available in the section for residential customers. You should be
aware that rebate applications are usually considered on a first come,
first-served basis until funding is depleted. In order to qualify for
this year's programs, products must be purchased and completely
installed, and applications must be postmarked by December 31, 2009.
Additionally, the following list does not cover everything that is
available. The Database of Incentives/Policies for Renewables and Efficiency (DSIRE) maintains a list of programs available to residential and business consumers in California and other states.
Check with your utility for more information.
For Customers of PG&E:
2009 Single Family Energy Efficiency Rebate Program
Appliances
- Clothes Washer $35-$75
- Dishwasher up to $50
- Gas or Electric Water Heater $30
- Swimming Pool Pump $100
Heating and Cooling
-
Whole House Fans $100
- Room Air Conditioner $50
- Cool Roof $200 per 1,000 square feet
- Wall and attic insulation $150 per 1,000 square feet
- Variable Speed Motor Air Handler System $50
- Gas furnace $200-300
Lighting
-
Lighting Products $1 - $10 (included in price)
For Customers of SCE:
Home Energy Efficiency Rebates Program
Appliances:
- Refrigerator $50
- Electric Water Heater $30
- Swimming Pool Pump $200
Heating and Cooling:
-
Whole House Fan $50
-
Room Air Conditioner $50
-
Central Air Conditioner $25 - $200
-
Ducted evaporative cooling system $300 - $600
For Customers of Southern California Gas
Single Family Energy Efficiency Rebate Program
Appliances:
- Clothes Washer $35
- Dishwasher $30
- Natural Gas Water Heater $30
- Tankless Water heater $200
Heating and Cooling:
- Gas Furnaces $200
- Attic and wall insulation $0.15 per square foot
For Customers of SDG&E:
Home Energy Efficiency Rebate Program
Appliances:
- Dishwashers $30
- Refrigerator $25
- Refrigerator (or freezer) recycling, with free pick up $50
- Gas or Electric Water Heater $30
- Pool pump and motor with automatic controller – multi-speed $100
- Time Clock Reset $25
Heating and Cooling:
- Room Air Conditioner $50
- Whole-House Fan (must have existing central air conditioning to qualify) $50
- Central Natural Gas Furnace (≥ 92% AFUE) $200/unit
- Attic and wall insulation $0.15 per square foot
There are also various rebate programs offered in local areas through non-utility agencies and companies (that are still, however, paid for through charges on your bill). For example, the San Francisco Power Cooperative's Climate Change program. In partnership with the Environmental Defense Fund, the program provides free and low-cost products and measures such as direct installation of occupancy sensors, programmable thermostats and other energy-saving items as needed. This program is available to low-income homes in six San Francisco communities/zip codes. For more information, contact the SF Power Cooperative at 415-626-8723.
To find out what non-utility rebate programs are available in your area, or to check on what's available for multi-family units, businesses, or other classes, go to www.fypower.com and see "Rebates," or call the California Energy Commission's Energy-Efficiency and Demand Analysis Division at 800-555-7794.
