Pacific Gas and Electric Rebate Program for Energy

Pacific Gas and Electric Rebate Program for Energy-Saving Products Runs Dry

The Record, Stockton, Calif. - April 20, 2003

Consumer demand for Pacific Gas and Electric Co.'s rebate program has been so great during the first quarter of 2004, the utility is already running out of money for some popular products.

Stockton homeowner Tony Galindo recently had new windows installed in his house and called PG&E's toll-free number to apply for a rebate that he expected would net him between $250 and $400. He was told the rebate program for windows is over for the year.

The early popularity of the rebate program has prompted the utility to issue a letter to dealers that money for some products such as dishwashers and room air conditioners will soon be gone.

"Due to an overwhelming customer response, funding for many energy-efficient products has been or will be depleted shortly," PG&E said in a letter dated April 13 addressed to Stockton appliance dealer Risso Electric Inc.

PG&E spokeswoman Emily Barnett said the rebate program for 2004-05, which operates on a first-come first-served basis, has limited dollars left for certain products due to big demand early in the year.

PG&E received $38.3 million from the California Public Utilities Commission's Public Goods Charge -- a fee included in utility bills -- to fund the program for 2004-05, CPUC spokeswoman Terrie Prosper said.

According to PG&E, rebate funds are nearly depleted for consumers who purchase energy-efficient dishwashers, room air conditioners, programmable thermostats, central natural-gas furnaces, and some water heaters, windows and insulation products.

PG&E clearly states in its marketing material for its 2004 Single Family Energy Efficiency Rebate Program that funding is limited and the sooner in a year a consumer applies, the better chance their rebate application has for funding.

In order to qualify, products must be purchased and completely installed, and applications must be postmarked by Dec. 31, 2004, PG&E said.

REBATE PROGRAM

The following is a list of products eligible for a Pacific Gas and Electric Co. rebate and the rebate amounts:

--Appliances: clothes washers, $75-$125; dishwashers, $50 (funding nearly depleted); refrigerator/freezer recycling, $35 (not available at this time).

--Cooling: central air conditioners, $200-$700; energy-efficient ducted evaporative cooling systems, $300-$600; whole-house fans, $100; room air conditioners, $50 (funding nearly depleted); programmable thermostats, $20 (funding nearly depleted).

--Heating: central heat pumps, $275-$700; central natural-gas furnaces, $200 (funding nearly depleted); variable-speed motor air-handler system, $100.

--Home improvements: efficient natural-gas and electric storage water heaters, $40 (funding nearly depleted); high-performance dual-paned windows, $1 per square foot (funding nearly depleted); attic and wall insulation, 15 cents per square foot (funding nearly depleted).

--Lighting: lighting products, $1-$10.

--Pools: pumps and motors, $125-$300.

--Multifamily property management: The 2004 Multifamily Energy Efficiency Rebate Program has received an overwhelming response via multiple reservations, and PG&E is not accepting any more applications.

--Information: PG&E Smarter Energy Line, (800) 933-9555; or www.pge.com/rebates/

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