By Greentech Lead
America: Puget Sound Energy offers cash incentives to its customers through
a comprehensive fuel conversion program. Eligible PSE customers who convert
from electric to natural gas water heating can receive a $950 incentive and may
save $200 to $400 annually after making the switch.
“When customers switch from electric to natural gas water
heating they are not only saving electricity but also typically see
their energy bill come down. We are dedicated to making this transition as easy
as possible for our customers. It’s a win-win for our customers and the
environment,” said Cal Shirley, vice president of Customer Solutions at PSE.
Seattle-based Fast Water Heater Company, a member of PSE’s
Contractor Alliance Network, provides conversion for PSE customers. Fast
also provides eligible PSE customers with an instant rebate for making the
switch.
PSE has partnered with Fast to provide a free compact
fluorescent light (CFL) bulb and up to two free high-efficiency showerheads to
eligible PSE households when Fast replaces their water heater, regardless of
whether they are eligible to participate in PSE’s fuel conversion program.
Each high efficiency showerhead saves customers up to $50
per year in water and heating costs, and CFL bulbs use
nearly 80 percent less energy than conventional incandescent bulbs.
“Despite the potential savings that can result from making
this transition, homeowners are often reluctant to switch their water heating
energy source because it can sometimes leave them without hot water for several
days,” said Jason Hanleybrown, CEO of Fast Water Heater Company.
Puget Sound Energy begins commercial operations of Lower Snake
River Wind Facility-Phase I
Recently, Puget Sound Energy began the commercial operations
of the Lower Snake River Wind Facility-Phase I, the largest wind farm in
Washington. The project will supply about 100,000 homes more renewable,
emissions-free power. The new facility located at Garfield County, in southeast
Washington, employs Siemens Energy’s 2.3-megawatt 149 wind turbines. This
343-megawatt (MW) is PSE’s third wind farm.