Federal Tax Credits for Energy Efficiency Extended for a Year

by Don Ames

Energy Efficient Federal Tax Credits Extended for a Year

by Shana Fong,   treehugger.com 
 
A few days ago, Congress and President Obama passed legislation that extends federal tax credits for energy-saving upgrades another year. The tax credits were set to expire at the end of 2010 but have been extended until December 31, 2011. However, the incentive has been reduced to 10%, up to $500. In 2010, the incentive was 30% up to $1,500.00.

Included are provisions limiting window incentives to $200, oil and gas furnace and boiler incentives to $150-$200, and water heater and wood heating system incentives to $300. As part of the legislation, Congress tightening the specifications for oil furnaces and boilers and gas boilers to 95% efficiency, up from the 90% efficiency in current credit.

It’s great to know that there are Federal Tax Credits to use for energy efficiency in 2011. To stay up on the Federal Tax Credit regulations visit energystar.com. Energystar.com is the Federal web site that handles the Energy Star program for the Department of Energy.  Don Ames

New Incentives for Home Energy Upgrades in San Francisco

San Francisco is now offering residents up to $2000 for home energy improvements. Coupled with incentives from PG&E, that means you could qualify for up to $6,000 total. The program, called San Francisco Home Improvement and Performance Program (SFHip), works similarly to PG&E’s program – first, you have to get an energy audit; then you work with a qualified contractor to make the upgrades and demonstrate that you achieved 15% or more in energy savings.

The first 50 homes will receive double the incentive (normally $1,000), and the program is only open to 433 homes total.

You should be interested in this energy and money saving program if you live in S.F. The first thing you should do is contact your local PG&E office and inquire about the process. Remember what the news post said:

  • First you need a Home Energy Audit ( from an Energy Auditor that is certified by PG&E – ask PG&E for a list ).
  • The energy saving work needs to be done by a certified contractor ( here again, get a list of Certified Contractors from PG&E )

Take some of the quess work out of the project by contacting your power company first – not after the work is completed.

If PG&E is providing an energy and money saving incentive program, there is a chance that more power providers are also providing a program. Check it out, call your power company and ask about programs that provide incentives for installing energy saving measures.  Comments by Don Ames