Just as you want to see the energy savings you expect when you invest in home efficiency upgrades, Puget Sound Energy (PSE) wants to make sure that the rebates they are paying on those upgrades will deliver dividends too. In an effort to make sure this happens, PSE has announced several important changes to their rebate programs. If you or your contractor are not aware of these changes, it could cost you hundreds or thousands of dollars in lost utility rebates!
1. Space and Water Heating Rebates
Whether it’s a furnace or a fireplace, heat pump or water heater PSE uses third party qualifying product lists to ensure unbiased efficiency ratings. Effective July 1, 2012, PSE will be using exclusive product lists and look-up tools from Energy Star, AHRI, and Canadian P4 to verify qualified equipment and accept or reject rebate applications. In order to ensure you receive the rebate you expect, be sure to ask your contractor to verify that the equipment they install is on one of these lists, and meets PSE’s rebate requirements.
2. Weatherization Rebates
Changes released by the end of May will include important changes to attic insulation requirements including requiring sealed enclosures or interior trims on non- IC rated recessed light fixtures. Additional revisions include specifications regarding IC rated fixtures. Worst Case Depressurization Tests (WCT) will also be required for all homes having Natural Gas water heaters inside the conditioned space or garage. Finally, the complete revision of the specifications will include further clarifications to CO testing and alarm installation procedures. Failure to meet these requirements will result in a loss of the insulation rebate.
3. Contractor Alliance Network
In an effort to reduce the impact of unqualified, unlicensed and/or disreputable contractors, PSE is screening contractors through it’s Contractor Alliance Network. Only these pre-screened contractors will be authorized to offer energy efficiency rebates to PSE’s customers and to assist them with their energy efficiency and home improvement projects. this contractor list has not yet been finalized, but keep your eyes open for it shortly, and make sure your contractor is part of PSE’s Network.
BelRed works hard to ensure you receive all of the rebates you are eligible for, working closely with utilities, manufacturers and you, our customers, so you can rest easy when you work with us. For more information on PSE’s energy efficiency rebate programs click here, or speak with one of our Comfort Consultants to see what rebates you may be eligible to receive.
