From PennFuture (http://www.pennfuture.org):

Utility Energy Efficiency Programs Offer Big Savings

Electric utilities across the state are offering energy efficiency rebate programs to residential, commercial, non-profit/government, and industrial customers as part of their Act 129 requirements. Don’t miss out on the close to $250 million available statewide for incentives to replace inefficient lighting, appliances, heating and cooling systems, and more. Visit the links below to find out what your utility offers.

• Met-Ed, Penelec and Penn Power (https://www.firstenergycorp.com/energyefficiency/pennsylvania/index.html)
• PPL Electric E-power (http://www.pplelectric.com/e-power)
• PECO Energy Smart Ideas (http://www.pecosmartideas.com/index.html)
• Duquesne Light Watt Choices (http://www.duquesnelight.com/wattchoices/)
• Allegheny Power Watt Watchers (http://www.alleghenypower.com/EngConserv/PA/WattWatchers/ResEECPA.asp)

If your utility isn’t listed above, it’s because the energy savings law (Act 129) exempts smaller utilities from having to comply. But some may develop energy efficiency and conservation programs similar to those required for the larger utilities. Here are some of the companies that are exempt. Check with yours for more information.

• Citizens’ Electric (http://www.citizenselectric.com/)
• Pike County Light & Power (http://www.oru.com/index.html)
• UGI Utilities (http://www.ugi.com/electric/index.html)
• Wellsboro Electric Company (http://www.wellsboroelectric.com/)

Grant Brings New Life to Keystone HELP

The Keystone Home Energy Loan Program (Keystone HELP) offers below market rate financing to qualifying homeowners to make energy efficiency improvements on their homes. The program has been widely successful over the years, offering close to 6,500 homeowners finance over $42 million in energy saving improvements.

Now, thanks to a $441,000 grant awarded to the Pennsylvania Treasury Department by the Rockefeller Foundation, Keystone HELP will see some much needed new money. Pennsylvania Treasurer Rob McCord recently announced that half of the grant money will be used to support a secondary market sale of the Keystone HELP loans. Selling the current portfolio to private investors will allow the Treasury to invest in additional loans.

The other half of grant will be used to support the creation of a new investment tool to allow for the Treasury to provide innovative financing packages to Pennsylvania colleges and universities to improve their energy efficiency. Stay tuned for more information.

To learn more about Keystone HELP visit http://www.keystonehelp.com/index.php.

Home Heating Equipment Rebates Still Available

In April, thanks to funding from the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA), the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection announced the start of an $11.9 million rebate program for non-electric ENERGY STAR qualified residential water heaters, furnaces, and boilers. As of July 20, almost 80 percent of the funds were still available.

While it’s hot outside today, now is the time to invest in upgrading your inefficient heating system before these funds run out. Heating and water heating systems make up almost half of the energy consumption in your home. Upgrading to a high-efficiency system will help save you money all winter long.

To learn more about the Pennsylvania Home Heating Equipment Rebate Program and see a list of qualified products, visit http://www.paheatingrebates.com. Interested homeowners should keep in mind that the rebates cannot be combined with utility energy efficiency rebates for the same piece of equipment, but you can use the federal tax credit.