Governor Rendell Says Federal Recovery Act-Funded Rebates Will Make Energy-Efficient Home Heating Equipment More Affordable. Starting in April, funding from the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act will make it possible for tens of thousands of Pennsylvanians to reduce their energy consumption and save money through a new rebate program for home heating equipment, Governor Edward G. Rendell said today, according with PR Newswire.
The $11 million program will provide rebates of between $100 and $500 on the purchase of new, Energy Star-rated non-electric residential hot water heaters, furnaces and boilers. The higher the equipment’s efficiency rating, the larger the rebate will be.

“Last fall, the U.S. Department of Energy asked all states to develop rebate programs for items that would help residents achieve the greatest energy savings,” said Governor Rendell. “Because the average Pennsylvania household spends 44 percent of its energy budget on heating and cooling, offering these rebates will provide a real and lasting benefit for consumers.”

Governor Rendell added that the rebate program could benefit 33,000 Pennsylvanians and could create 120 jobs by boosting demand for heating equipment and related installation work. It could also save more than 257 trillion British thermal units of energy.

The rebates complement existing or planned programs by Pennsylvania’s electric utilities that are required under Act 129, which Governor Rendell signed in 2008 to help consumers save money through energy conservation.

“All regulated electric utility companies are now offering — or will soon — rebates on typical appliances like refrigerators and dishwashers,” said Governor Rendell. “Because Pennsylvania has many older homes that use a variety of heating and cooling methods, offering rebates for non-electric heating equipment is another financial incentive that will ensure all Pennsylvanians will have the opportunity to upgrade their heating systems and achieve greater energy efficiency and financial savings, regardless of the type of fuel they use.”

Through a competitive bid process, the Department of Environmental Protection selected Resource Solutions Group to manage the new rebate program along with its partners, Resources Development and Management Inc. of Pittsburgh and the Electric Gas Industries Association.

“RSG and its partners have the expertise and the resources to put this financial incentive into the hands of energy-conscious citizens all across Pennsylvania,” said Governor Rendell.