Delmarva Power is offering cash rebates for buying energy-saving appliances to encourage its Maryland residential customers to reduce electric bills, conserve energy and protect the environment. The rebates are part of a series of energy efficiency programs that include home energy audits and rebates of up to $50 on select ENERGY STAR qualified refrigerators, room air conditioners and certain energy-efficient water heaters purchased at area retail stores. These savings would be in addition to federal tax credits. The rebate is funded through a portion of customer rates designed to encourage a reduction in energy consumption and result in overall energy and cost savings.

The Maryland Public Service Commission enacted a decoupling order that removes the link between electricity use and utility revenues that enables Delmarva Power to enhance its promotion of energy efficiency programs. The programs are expected to reduce Delmarva Power’s electric load and environmental impact by conserving an estimated 57,200 megawatt-hours of energy over the next three years. This results in avoiding more than 41,000 metric tons of carbon emissions, equivalent to removing approximately 73,000 cars from the road a year, according to data from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. Delmarva Power has promoted energy conservation and efficiency for many years such as special discount programs to encourage customers to buy compact fluorescent light bulbs. Over 2.3-million of these bulbs have been purchased since the program began in 2007.

Lowering energy consumption reduces current power plant emissions and the need to build new plants and helps customers save money on their monthly bills. The appliance rebate program is available to Delmarva Power customers who can obtain applications from stores or online at www.delmarva.com. To receive a rebate, customers must include their account number, provide proof of purchase made after September 15 for a qualifying product, and mail to the address listed on the form. Rebate guidelines are as follows:

$50 Refrigerator Rebate for purchasing an ENERGY STAR qualified refrigerator that can reduce annual utility costs by up to $200. Limit one rebate per customer.

$25 Room Air Conditioner Rebate for ENERGY STAR qualified air conditioners that use at least 10-percent less energy than conventional models. Limit five rebates per customer.

$20 Water Heater Rebate for purchasing an electric water heater with an Energy Factor of 0.93 or greater. Electric water heaters are not ENERGY STAR qualified; however, the rebate is offered for the most efficient models.