Puget Sound Energy, Inc. (Puget Sound Energy) is joining the Coalition for ENERGY STAR Water Heaters formed by the Consortium for Energy Efficiency (CEE) to help make energy efficient home water heating more accessible to the utility’s customers in Western Washington. With the launch of ENERGY STAR qualified water heaters in 2009, CEE determined a need for a coalition of companies to increase awareness of high-efficiency water heaters among the general public and other targeted audiences.

“Water heating is typically the second largest use of home energy. When consumers install an ENERGY STAR qualified water heater, they consume less energy, lower their bills, and reduce their environmental impact,” said Cal Shirley, vice president of energy efficiency services for Puget Sound Energy. “PSE supports the coalition and its outreach to PSE customers. We want to spread the message that ENERGY STAR ratings take the guesswork out of selecting models that qualify for PSE rebates.”

Before ENERGY STAR applied ratings to water heaters, Puget Sound Energy customers needed to know if the efficiency rating of the equipment they were about to purchase would qualify for company’s rebates. By joining CEE’s coalition, Puget Sound Energy rebates will apply to any water heating equipment with an ENERGY STAR rating, significantly simplifying the rebate process for company’s customers.

The combined possible incentives from Puget Sound Energy for both natural gas water heating equipment and conversion costs can total $1,100 per household. Puget Sound Energy customers qualify for a $50 rebate off the purchase of ENERGY STAR rated natural gas storage water heaters and a $150 rebate off ENERGY STAR rated natural gas tankless water heaters. The company’s electric customers can also receive up to a $950 rebate when converting to natural gas water heating.

Water heaters with an ENERGY STAR rating have a higher first hour recovery rate, use less energy to heat and store water due to better tank insulation and have a much higher energy efficiency rating than standard water heaters, allowing customers to save energy without sacrificing comfort.

CEE sought out companies and organizations with a like interest and approached them about a partnership. Puget Sound Energy was selected because of its dedication to renewable energy and its support of green residential home heating uses, its Green Power Program, and the utility’s residential incentives and rebates for energy-efficiency efforts.

“PSE goes above and beyond its requirements as a utility company to provide energy efficiency services to its customers while continuing to advocate efficient heating methods,” said Kara Rodgers, senior program manager for CEE. “PSE’s dedication is admirable, and the coalition is honored that they are willing to devote time and resources to making a difference in long-term energy consumption in the U.S.”

The Coalition for ENERGY STAR Water Heaters is a group consisting of 12 utility companies such as Puget Sound Energy from across the nation, four leading water heater manufacturers, and the CEE. The coalition has also partnered with the US Department of Energy and Natural Resources Canada to promote consumer adoption of energy-efficient water heaters.

In addition to rebates for water heaters, Puget Sound Energy offers free efficiency showerheads and faucet aerators to help customers save on water heating. The company’s customers can receive rebates on energy efficiency home improvements that can total as much as $7,000, and combined with federal stimulus package tax credits, could total up to $8,500.

Puget Sound Energy is a US-based public utility company that furnishes electric and natural gas service.