Appliance Trade-in Program!

The PCEC is not offering our appliance trade-in this year, but there are other options for energy efficient appliance replacements!

Community Action Home Energy Savings Program (HESP):

Xcel's Home Electric Savings Program ( HESP ) provides home energy conservation education tailored to each individual household's energy needs and usage. Efficient use of electricity translates to savings on energy cost and greater self-sufficiency for low-income families.

To qualify for the HESP program customers have to be income eligible for the Energy Assistance Program, have a minimum of $250 of annual electric consumption and have not received the HESP service since the year 2000.

Customers receive 4 compact florescent light bulbs and other energy saving materials free of charge. With the exchange of their old appliance, qualified customers can receive new high-efficiency, Energy Star rated, refrigerators, freezers, and Air Conditioners free of charge.

The HESP program provides home energy conservation education to approximately 750 households annually in the Minneapolis service area, with installation of over 550 new appliances.

For additional information or to apply for HESP please call Dave at 612-767-1706

MN Conservation Improvement Programs (CIP) Consumer Programs

All ultilities in the state of Minnesota are required to do sped a portion of their revenues on conservation programs. Electric utilities are required to invest 1.5 percent of their annual revenues in CIP (except Xcel Energy, which must invest 2 percent). Natural gas utilities are required to invest 0.5 percent of their annual revenues in CIP. The cost of CIP programs is billed back to customers of these utilities.

The goals of utility conservation improvement programs are to:

• Promote consumer and industry awareness of energy conservation and its positive effect on the environment.
• Reduce utility bills for homes and businesses.
• Generate innovations in developing energy efficient products and technologies; and
• Promote new energy resource development.

To learn more about the utility Conservation Improvement Program projects available to you, contact your electric and natural gas utility. For general information about the program, e-mail CIP.info@state.mn.us

Xcel Energy Heating and Cooling Rebates

Xcel Energy also offers some of their own rebates to customers for making improvements to their heating and cooling systems. Also check out their Home Performance Rebate program to sign up for an energy audit, identify home energy savings improvements and learn about significant rebates on a wide variety of qualified improvements, equipment and appliances.