April 17, 2007

Heat pumps deliver summer cooling, year-round comfort
Incentives from PGE, Energy Trust and others can total up to $1,330

Portland, Ore. — With summer just around the corner, many households are exploring the best way to keep cool. An option rapidly gaining popularity is the energy-efficient electric heat pump, which offers summer cooling, cost-effective heating and year-round comfort.

Portland General Electric offers a $200 rebate to help customers with electric heat invest in energy-efficient heat pumps. And, depending on the heat pump model installed, customers may also qualify for Energy Trust of Oregon incentives ranging from $150 to $400, plus state and federal tax credits totaling as much as $730. That brings the total savings up to $1,330, not including rebates that heat pump manufacturers often offer during the summer months.

Since 2005, more than 700 PGE customers have received a PGE rebate, and 1,200 have taken advantage of Energy Trust heat pump incentives.

One of those households belongs to Carlos Simpson, a PGE customer and resident of Salem. “We just purchased our second heat pump,” Simpson said. “Our first one lasted 18 years. The air temperature stays very constant and comfortable.”

According to Darren Spencer, a PGE Energy Expert, more and more consumers are investing in electric heat pumps because they are looking for an environmental choice that offers both quality and economy.

“Today’s high-efficiency models offer very cost-effective and energy-efficient heating and cooling,” Spencer said. “They’re quiet and comfortable. And because heat pumps use energy wisely, consumers can feel good about making a positive environmental contribution.”

“Energy savings can be significant for homeowners who replace an older heat pump or electric heating system with a high-efficiency heat pump,” said Diane Ferington, Energy Trust senior residential sector manager. “With savings from incentives, rebates and tax credits, it’s a great investment. To sweeten the deal, Energy Trust offers a $300 bonus on top of heat pump incentives when homeowners include performance tested ducts and commissioning as part of their heat pump installation.”

PGE heat pump customer rebates have totaled more than $140,000 since 2005, and Energy Trust heat pump incentives to PGE customers have exceeded $243,000.

Seventeen PGE-approved heat pump contractors are trained to help customers apply for incentives and tax credits and ensure heat pumps are installed properly for reliable performance. Customers may use any contractor, but the rebate and inspection process is streamlined with PGE-approved contractors.

To raise awareness of the benefits of heat pumps, PGE has joined with Energy Trust of Oregon and Lennox® to give away an ENERGY STAR®-qualified, ultra-high-efficiency Lennox heat pump system. Entries must be received by June 30, 2007.

Details about heat pumps, the PGE rebate, tax credits and PGE-approved contractors are available in our Heat Pump section, or from the PGE Energy Experts at 503-612-3500 or 800-722-9287. Details about Energy Trust incentives are available at the Energy Trust Web site or from Energy Trust Home Energy Specialists at 1-866-368-7878.

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