Rebates available to customers on energy efficient appliances

COLUMBIA — Commercial and residential customers have another year to receive a rebate after buying energy-saving products. The rebate applies to more appliances, too. 

The list includes Energy Star brand programmable thermostats, natural gas furnaces and boilers. For 2010, the program will give rebates on water heaters and home improvements, such as ceiling and wall insulation, caulking and weather stripping, after an energy audit.

Rebates are available until funding runs out.

“The main thing is to help make the cost of energy efficient products more affordable for both commercial and residential customers,” said AmerenUE Communications Executive Mike Cleary. “For example, I saved $300 on a 95 percent efficient gas furnace with the program last year in April and so highly encourage Missourians to take advantage of this.”

Since its development in 2007, the program has been funded by Ameren as a part of the 2007 natural gas rate case agreement.

Here’s how to apply for a rebate:

• Rebate forms are available at www.UEfficiency.com or 800-210-8131.

• Purchase an Energy Star qualified appliance by Dec. 31, 2010, and install by Jan. 31, 2011.

• Postmark applications by Feb. 28, 2011.

Rebate checks will be mailed within 8-10 weeks after the submission of completed rebate forms.

Residential customer savings on Energy Star qualified products:

• Programmable thermostat: $25 or 50 percent of the cost of the purchase and installation of one thermostat, whichever is lower.

• Natural gas furnace with a 90 to 94.9 percent Annual Fuel Utilization Efficiency (AFUE)rating: $200 for the purchase and installation of one furnace unit or 50 percent of the cost in lieu of any rebate, whichever is lower.

• Natural gas furnace with 95 percent AFUE rating or higher: $300 for the purchase and installation of one furnace unit or 50 percent of the cost in lieu of any rebate, whichever is lower.

• Natural gas boiler with 85 percent AFUE rating or higher: $200 for the purchase and installation of one boiler unit or 50 percent of the cost in lieu of any rebate, whichever is lower.

• Natural gas water heater: $50 or 50 percent of the equipment cost, whichever is lower, on the purchase and installation of one unit.

• Natural gas tankless water heater: $200 or 50 percent of the equipment cost, whichever is lower, on the purchase and installation of one unit.

• Residential Energy Audit Improvement: $500 or 50 percent of the equipment cost, whichever is lower, on the purchase and installation of natural gas energy saving measures as recommended and listed in the program.