PORTLAND, Ore. — The Northwest Energy Efficiency Alliance (NEEA), in collaboration with regional utilities, including Seattle City Light, announced the winner of the $10,000 grand prize in its Discover Ductless campaign. The campaign, sponsored by Mitsubishi Electric, encouraged homeowners to upgrade their electric heating with ductless heating and cooling systems. Via a random drawing from more than 1,400 entrants, Seattle City Light customer Ross Daniel was awarded $10,000 for participating in the campaign.

“Our old baseboard heaters did not heat our house very evenly,” said Daniel. “I had a ductless system installed in my home this summer and now we are much more comfortable. We are seeing savings on our utility bills and I love it. I was excited to learn that I won the contest, too.”

Starting in 2008, the region’s utilities have been championing ductless heating and cooling technology. In the last three years more than 13,000 ductless heating and cooling systems have been installed in the Northwest, at a savings of 40,500,000 kWh hours per year, says NEEA. That’s enough electricity to power 3,805 average homes for an entire year.

“We’re thrilled that Mr. Daniel not only won the grand prize, but that he also took advantage of Seattle City Light’s ductless heat pump $1,200 rebate for installing a new ductless system,” said Glenn Atwood, Seattle City Light’s director of conservation resources. “His new system should provide him with comfort and electricity savings for many years to come.”

“This campaign is a great example of regional collaboration,” said Alexis Allan, group product manager at NEEA. “Together NEEA and its partner utilities are working to bring the comfort and energy savings of ductless heating and cooling technology to homeowners throughout the region.”

Ninety-two utility partners in Idaho, Montana, Oregon, and Washington offer customer rebates on energy-efficient ductless systems — up to $1,500 or up to 40 percent of the cost of an installed ductless heating and cooling system.

For more information, visit www.goingductless.com.

Publication date: 02/20/2012