SEATTLE — Puget Sound Energy (PSE) is offering more than one million customers rebates towards the purchase of Energy Star®-rated hybrid electric heat pump water heaters. PSE has doubled its rebate from $250 to now $500 on qualified units, such as the GE GeoSpring™ hybrid electric water heater. With the PSE rebate, tax incentives, and manufacturer discounts such as GE’s current offer, GE pointed out that homeowners can be reimbursed for most of the cost of a new water heater purchase.

“At two times the efficiency of a conventional storage water heater, heat pump water heaters are the most efficient electric water heaters on the market and could be the best strategy for saving money and energy,” said Dennis Rominger, energy efficiency services program manager for PSE’s heat pump water heater rebate program.

“Many Pacific Northwest consumers may not realize a traditional water heater is the second largest energy-consuming appliance in their homes,” said Kelly Lum Malone, Seattle area merchandising specialist for GE Appliances & Lighting. According to GE, the GeoSpring can save homeowners up to $320 a year.

From now until Oct. 5, 2011, GE is offering a promotion that encourages its local and national retail and wholesale distribution partners to offer the GeoSpring at up to $400 off the suggested retail price of $1,399. The GeoSpring also qualifies for a $300 federal tax credit if purchased and installed in 2011. Adding all these together, total incentives tally $1,200 if the unit is purchased before the Oct. 5, 2011 deadline.

Other area utilities also offer rebates. For example, Seattle City Light offers a $250 rebate to electric customers on the purchase of a qualified Energy Star heat pump water heater. To view all utility rebates available in the area, visit www.geappliances.com/heat-pump-hot-water-heater/water-heater-rebate.htm.

Publication date: 09/26/2011