PSE&G can’t do anything about the weather, which may approach 90 degrees the next two days. But it can help you stay cooler – and save money while doing so.
That was the message from Anita Ramakrishnan, a manager for energy services at PSE&G.
Ramakrishnan’s role is not just to improve energy efficiency for customers, but also to help them save money while doing so. That starts by promoting PSE&G’s rebate programs – something that is more difficult than you would imagine.
“If people don’t know about the programs, if they don’t know there are rebates available to help them with upgrades, they can’t take advantage of these programs,” she said.
The rebates are significant.
There is up to $100 available for refrigerators, up to $300 for washers and dryers and up to $750 water heaters.
There are scenarios where a homeowner could get an update of their entire HVAC system without having to put any money down up front. Instead, they could use a program that would enable them to add the cost to their bill over a series of years – but do so without any finance charges.
Not looking for that much – just need a little something to be more comfortable? PSEG offers rebates on fans (up to $25), room air conditioners (up to $30), dehumidifiers (up to $40) and air purifiers (up to $50), too. (Connect to the PSE&G marketplace here)
PSE&G programs are far-reaching, Ramakrishnan said. They even reach down to advanced power strips. Yes, those can make a difference, too.
“When you connect certain types of equipment correctly, it saves energy,” she said.
All of this comes at an opportune time.
The cost of energy has never been higher on the minds of residents of New Jersey as everyone is adjusting to increased pricing caused by a supply-and-demand shortage.
And while there can be sticker shock when you get your bill (something the state, PSE&G and other utilities) are addressing with different rebates and pricing plans, Ramakrishnan said nothing impacts consumer thinking than a mini heatwave.
The key, Ramakrishnan said, is to take a big-picture approach. Buying more energy-efficiency products not only will cool your house better, but they will do it at a lower cost, she said.
To do so, customers must take advantage of the rebates – which can be at point of sale or post purchase through documentation (get complete examples of both, here).
“We’re very committed to helping customers reduce their energy use, and these programs help customers improve the comfort of their homes,” Ramakrishnan said. “They also help customers lower their utility bills.”
Sometimes that can happen at little or no cost to the consumer.
Ramakrishnan did not want to be too specific – price points on products can vary – but if customers seek out PSE&G-approved vendors and products, they will save the most, she said.
“A smart thermostat is a great example,” she said. “If the rebates are high on a smart thermostat, in some cases, a customer could be paying $0 out of pocket.”
To be clear, these rebates do not cover installation. That still will be up to the customer.
The only thing certain is when customers start looking.
“When it’s really hot, people think about making energy upgrades,” Ramakrishnan said.
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