Everyone is looking for ways to save money these days. But, the following rebates and incentives have the added advantage of doing the planet a favor. Be sure to take advantage of these offers soon as they may not be available for long.

Federal tax credits to improve the energy efficiency of your primary residence (existing homes only) have been extended an additional year through 2010. A credit of 30% of the cost, up to $1,500, can be claimed on your tax return on approved upgrades, including:

A 30% tax credit is also available for clean energy generation with no upper limit through 2016. New and existing homes are eligible for the credit on the following items:

Tax credits are also available on some hybrid vehicles. To get the complete list and amount of credit available for each vehicle visit www.fueleconomy.gov. Tax credits for the first 250,000 plug-in hybrid vehicles will be eligible for a tax credit of between $2500 and $7500, and then will be phased out like the previous hybrid credits.

Find more information at www.energystar.gov/taxcredit.

State tax credits are currently available for residential solar energy systems. They will provide 25% of the cost of the system up to $1,000 for the following items:

• Solar photovoltaic systems (solar panels)
• Solar water heating
• Solar swimming pool & spa heating systems
• Solar daylighting systems
• Solar PV phones, street lighting, etc.
• Passive solar building systems (thermal mass components, etc.)
• Wind generators and wind powered pumps
• Find more information at www.azdor.gov/Portals/0/Brochure/543.pdf

The U.S. Department of Energy has announced a new ENERGY STAR appliance rebate program administered by state energy offices. Arizona expects to receive over six million dollars for statewide appliance rebates. This program will likely be implemented by late March of 2010. To check on the status of the program visit http://www.azcommerce.com/Energy/Rebate or call 602-771-1186 for the ENERGY STAR appliance rebate hotline. Since it is a statewide program, dollars are expected to be spent quickly – so take advantage as soon as you can.

SRP supplies electric service to over about 90% of Mesa residents. SRP has lots of tips and assistance to reduce your energy use. They also offer a variety of rebates and incentives for customers including the following:

• Compact fluorescent light bulbs, price reduction at participating stores
• Energy Star labeled appliances
  • Energy Star Dishwasher $20
  • Energy Star Clothes Washer up to $75
  • Get rid of an old refrigerator $30 + free pick up + recycle product
• Shade screens $3 per square foot
• Heating/Ventilation/AC SEER of 15 or greater up to $400
• Solar water heaters $.0.50 per kilowatt hour of energy savings OG-300 ratings, no cap
• Solar photovoltaic $2.70 per installed watt up to $13,500

Find more information on saving energy, visit www.savewithsrp.com

For more information on solar incentives, visit www.srpnet.com/environment/earthwise/solar

City of Mesa Natural Gas Utility provides natural gas service to more than 52,000 homes and businesses throughout Mesa and portions of Pinal County. Natural gas is the cleanest of all fossil fuels, and while it is not a renewable resource, it does provide more value for your energy dollar. They offer the following rebates:

• Gas water heater $25
• Gas swimming pool and spa heater $50

Find more information by calling Lucy Lopez at (480) 644-3683

Southwest Gas does service some Mesa residents. They offer the following rebate:

• Gas water heater $75

Find more information at www.southwestgas.com/efficiency/az/water_heaters.php
 

Alliance to Save Energy consumer information

Arizona Department of Commerce renewable energy information

SRP – Salt River Project energy saving advice

US Department of Energy tips

• www.eere.energy.gov/consumer/tips/
• www.energy.gov/yourhome.htm