Posted July 6, 2010--Efficiency Plus Rebates Create More Comfortable Homes and More Cash in Your Pocket
(WILMINGTON, DE) – Delawareans interested in reducing their energy bills by installing
more efficient heating and cooling systems and lighting can take advantage of new
$400-$550 rebates offered by the SEU’s Energize Delaware's Efficiency Plus for Homes
program beginning this Wednesday, July 7 at Delaware retailers. The new programs are
designed to help Delawareans save money, improve the environment and generate new jobs
and economic development.
Market research guiding the design of SEU programs shows that more than 80 percent of
home energy consumption is from appliances, space heating and cooling, lighting and
generating hot water – all areas now addressed by SEU Energize Delaware programs.
“This is a great opportunity for Delawareans to put more money in their pockets, and to be part of an initiative to create more jobs and reduce our dependence on foreign oil,” said Sen. Harris McDowell, co-chair of the SEU. “By including solutions that address both energy efficiency and tapping new clean energy sources, Delaware is once again on the forward edge of creating a clean energy economy.”
Delawareans visiting participating stores this week will see Energize Delaware’s new
spokesbird: “Delaware SEU” (pronounced Sue) in participating stores. “SEU” is a Red Knot – a Delaware shore bird with remarkable energy-savvy, using one fuel stop in Delaware to power the first leg of her 20,000-mile round trip migration flight. By making the Red Knot its mascot, the SEU's Energize Delaware is raising awareness about the connection between nature and wise energy consumption. Whether it’s horseshoe crab eggs or the power sources the heat and cool our homes, everyone can benefit using energy more efficiently.
"By creatively leveraging federal resources, Delaware will provide long-term benefits to the economy and the environment," said Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control Secretary Collin O'Mara. "The SEU programs demonstrate how the emerging clean energy economy is creating well-paying jobs for Delawareans, improving the environment and helping families cut their energy bill."
EFFICIENT LIGHTING
Delaware retail stores are offering discounted compact fluorescent light bulbs (CFL’s), which use 75 percent less energy and last about 10 times longer than an incandescent bulb. The bulbs will be available for at an approximate discount of up to $1.50 per bulb. There are 13.4 million residential sockets in Delaware, with 85 percent estimated to hold inefficient incandescent bulbs.
Four retailers are currently participating in the program, and more are being signed up every day. Big box stores like The Home Depot and Sam’s Club offer the discount
electronically at the cash register. Participating smaller retailers will sign up to
offer customers coupons they can redeem at the register.
Nationally 75 percent of bulbs sales are incandescent and 11 percent are efficient CFL’s. SEU-commissioned research shows that 38 percent of Delawareans say they replace
incandescent with CFL’s “most of the time,” but data indicates that only 15 percent of
residential market potential has been tapped.
An ENERGY STAR qualified compact fluorescent light bulb (CFL) made available through the SEU’s Energize Delaware program will save about $30 over its lifetime and pay for itself in about six months.
Because CFLs contain a small amount of mercury, consumers are encouraged to take
advantage of available local recycling options. Information and locations for dropping
off used CFLs can be found on the DNREC website.
HEATING AND COOLING UPGRADES
With record summertime temperatures, efficient air-conditioning systems are expected to be particularly valuable for Delawareans. With more than 290,000 central air conditioning systems in the state, homeowners could collectively save around 220,000 MWh’s and more than $30,000 per year with an ENERGY STAR® system. There are more than 103,000 room air conditioning units in the state.
As heating and cooling equipment ages, its efficiency can decrease dramatically.
Replacing older, less efficient equipment before it breaks down can save money on utility bills and ensures continued comfort. To get started on the path to savings, the Efficiency Plus Program Homes program offers Delaware residents money back to replace their existing heating and cooling system with ENERGY STAR qualified equipment. The rebates of $400–$550 provide homeowners with the extra help needed to invest in the most efficient heating and cooling systems.
The rebates for heating and air-conditioning upgrades represent the first phase of the
program. This fall, homeowners can take advantage of comprehensive whole home audits and financial help to take on more comprehensive energy solutions, including renewable energy sources like solar, geothermal and wind.
The SEU will continue meeting with contractors and auditors to educate them about the
program and proper installation. The contractor will enter rebate forms into an online
system on the customers’ behalf. The form will include the energy-efficiency rating
certificate and other technical specifications that ensure energy-savings.
Improper installation can reduce efficiency by up to 30 percent, raising utility bills
and possibly shortening the equipment’s life. Qualified ENERGY STAR equipment may cost
more up front, but the difference is offset by lower energy use over its lifetime. All
heating and cooling systems eligible for rebates through the Efficiency Plus Homes
program meet ENERGY STAR ratings.
AN EXTRA BOOST
Research shows that Delawareans are motivated to save energy, but need “how to” and
financial help in paying for upgrades and knowing which upgrades make the most sense. The
SEU is using a combination of information, rebates and financing options to help close
the gap between intent and implementation.
· Two-thirds of homeowners identified a need to make one or more energy efficiency
improvements, but only 42 percent plan to take action.
· Homeowners cite money as the number one barrier to cutting energy waste to reduce
utility bills.
· 94 percent consider it important to provide incentives to encourage renewable
energy.
· 44 percent of homeowners cite saving money as the top reason to take action.
The programs will launch using federal American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA)
money and then leverage other sources, such as the expected federal HOME STAR program and regional greenhouse gas initiative proceeds. For more information call 877-624-4448 or visit EnergizeDelaware.org.
Energize Delaware is an initiative of the Delaware Sustainable Energy Utility (SEU), a
unique nonprofit organization created to foster a sustainable energy future for the
state. Under the program banner of Energize Delaware, residents and businesses in
Delaware will have a single point of contact for education, resources and programs that will include low and no?cost steps to save thousands on energy bills, boost the economy and improve the environment through new clean energy sources. The Energize Delaware programs will focus on conservation, efficiencies and the use of renewable energy sources, like solar, wind and geothermal. www.energizedelaware.org
