Green News

Green News - Tax Incentives and Rebates

Congress Extends Energy Efficiency Tax Incentives
On Oct. 3, 2008, the President signed into law legislation to extend many of the Energy Efficiency Tax Incentives first enacted in 2005 but that expired at the end of 2007 or that were scheduled to expire at the end of 2008. The bill also includes extensions of a variety of renewable energy tax incentives. The energy efficiency provisions include:

An extension of the commercial buildings tax deduction to the end of 2013.
An extension of the tax credit for efficient furnaces, boilers, air conditioners, water heaters and insulation and window upgrades to existing homes (covering improvements installed in 2009, but not 2008).
A one-year extension of the new energy-efficient home tax credit, to the end of 2009.
Three-years of manufacturer tax credits for sales of high-efficiency refrigerators, clothes washers, dishwashers, and dehumidifiers (2008-2010).
A new tax credit for plug-in hybrid vehicles purchased starting in 2008 and extending until shortly after the number of qualifying vehicles reaches 250,000.
A new 10% investment tax credit for combined heat and power systems (through 2016).
An extension of fuel cell and microturbine credits to the end of 2016.
Accelerated depreciation for smart meters and smart grid systems.

Extension of an existing bonding program for green buildings and sustainable design, and establishment of a new energy conservation bond program that would help local and state governments to fund energy conservation efforts.

The bill pays for these provisions by restricting several oil and gas industry tax breaks, and tightening some provisions on the sale of stocks. Watch for specific updates throughout the site in the coming weeks.

For more information, see these links:

ACEEE's National Energy Policy Web site
The Energy Policy Act of 2005 (energy-efficiency tax incentives are Sections 1331—1341, beginning on pg. 427).
Analyses of the Federal Energy Policy Act of 2005 from the American Council for an Energy-Efficient Economy (ACEEE).
Energy Bill information from the Alliance to Save Energy

SMUD Rebates

Rebates	Amount / Deadline
Aeroseal duct sealing Note: Duct cleaning, repair or replacement is not eligible for a SMUD rebate. Rebate applies with standalone Aeroseal work, not when performed in conjunction with HVAC installation.	$300 / Dec. 31, 2009, or until funding is depleted
Compact fluorescent lamps	Reduced prices at participating retailers/ While supplies last
Central air conditioning Note: State law now requires that you have your ducts tested for leaks when replacing heating or air conditioning units.	$400, $500, $650 or $1,100 / Dec. 31, 2009, or until funding is depleted
Clothes washer Get an additional $50 rebate through a program with local water districts. Note: SMUD rebate requires household electric water heater. Customers with gas water heaters can get washer rebates through PG&E.	$100 or $200 / Dec. 31, 2009, or until funding is depleted
Cool Roof	20 cents per square foot rebate on flat roofs and 10 cents per square foot on pitched roofs / Dec. 31, 2009, or until funding is depleted
Dishwasher Note: SMUD rebate requires household electric water heater.	$25 or $75/Dec. 31, 2009, or until funding is depleted
Heat pump Forms available through participating contractors only. Note: State law now requires that you have your ducts tested for leaks when replacing heating or air conditioning units.	$400 or $500 /Dec. 31, 2009, or until funding is depleted
PowerCost Monitor With SMUD's introductory rebate, your cost is only $39.95.	$110.04/available for a limited time
Refrigerator Get $35 when you turn in your old operating refrigerator or freezer.	$100/Dec. 31, 2009, or until funding is depleted
Residential and Commercial Photovoltaic systems	Residential - $2.50/watt Commercial - $1.90/watt
Room air conditioner	$50 / Dec. 31, 2009 or until funding is depleted
Solar water heater Note: SMUD rebate requires household electric water heater.	$1,500 / Dec. 31, 2009, or until funding is depleted
Whole house fan	$100/ Dec. 31 , 2009, or until funding is depleted

Financing

SMUD offers financing at a fixed interest rate. Presently, the rate is 8.50 percent. Interest rates are subject to change. For current rates, call 1-916-732-5472.

SMUD offers financing for some energy-efficient home improvements, including:

Central air-conditioning systems
Windows
Attic and wall insulation
Heat pumps
Solar water heating systemsInsulated siding
Photovoltaic systems