Energy Saving Programs and Incentives
There are many ways to save energy by reducing your use of energy-intensive devices, using energy more efficiently, or producing it yourself. The prices of many efficient appliances and technologies are dropping, and multiple incentives, rebates, and assistance programs are available. Energy efficiency saves money, contributes to carbon-reduction goals in the City’s Climate Action Plan, and will help the Bellingham Energy Prize win a national competition.
I’m new to energy efficiency – where do I start?
Local community or utility programs provide a comprehensive look at your home’s energy use and recommendations on savings measures and reliable contractors. You can also sign up at the Bellingham Energy Prize’s Energy Center to track your energy use and get tips and rebate information.
- Puget Sound Energy Home Energy Assessment
- Community Energy Challenge (CEC) – Whole Home Energy Assessment
- Bellingham Energy Prize’s Energy Center
Puget Sound Energy (PSE) Programs
PSE has a wide variety of energy programs and incentives available. To learn more, see links below, call a PSE Energy Advisor at 1-800-562-1482, or contact EnergyAdvisor@PSE.com.
- Savings and Energy Center
- Rebates and Incentives
- Multifamily retrofit incentives
- Multifamily new construction rebates
Cascade Natural Gas Programs
Cascade Natural Gas (CNG) helps homeowners and businesses improve energy efficiency by providing cash rebates on qualified upgrades to space and water heating equipment, insulation, duct sealing, and appliances. Click the following links for incentives available for households and businesses, call 1-866-626-4479, or e-mail conserve@cngc.com.
- Cascade Natural Gas Rebates
- Cascade Natural Gas Conservation Corner
Renewable Energy Incentives
Renewable energy is moving from the sidelines into the mainstream as technology improves, prices drop, and incentives reduce the cost of projects. Bellingham was just recognized as a Northwest Solar Community by Governor Inslee for its streamlining of renewable energy permitting.
Puget Sound Energy supports net-metering where excess electricity production is returned to the grid as a credit that can be used later by the generating customer. In addition, there are state-sponsored production incentives that pay you for each kilowatt hour produced. For further information see the following links or call a PSE Energy Advisor at 1-800-562-1482.
Federal Energy Tax Credits — Efficiency and Renewables
There are a number of federal tax credits available for qualified energy efficiency and renewable energy projects, including efficient stoves and furnaces, windows and insulation, and solar panels and small wind systems. For more information, see the EnergyStar page on Tax Credits for Residential Efficiency.
Tips for efficiency improvements
- Georgetown University Energy Prize – Energy Efficiency Guides
- Cascade Natural Gas – Practical Energy Saving Tips and Energy Saving Kit
- Puget Sound Energy – Savings and Energy Center
- City of Bellingham – Rebates and Water Conservation Kit
- Design your home remodel to maximize efficiency – ZeroHomes.org
