FirstEnergy Corp.'s Metropolitan Edison Company, Pennsylvania Electric Company and Pennsylvania Power Company have introduced several new programs to help customers save energy and money in their homes. The programs are part of the companies' plan to reduce customer energy usage and demand under Pennsylvania Act 129.

Home Energy Analyzer – customers can visit the company's website at www.energysavePA.com to access the new Home Energy Analyzer, an interactive tool that provides customized energy-efficiency tips and information based on an individual home's age and characteristics, including insulation levels and the efficiency of existing space and water heating equipment and other appliances.  Customers who complete the online energy audit will receive an energy conservation kit containing four compact fluorescent light bulbs (CFLs), four faucet aerators, two smart power strips and two LED night lights.

Appliance Turn-In Program – participating customers will receive rebates of $35 for turning in older, inefficient refrigerators and freezers.  Customers who turn in an older refrigerator or freezer could save up to $150 a year on their electric bills.  The companies' vendor – JACO Environmental, Inc. – will pick up and recycle older appliances at a new facility in Hatfield, Montgomery County.  This facility, which is operated by JACO, is a collaborative effort between Pennsylvania's electric utility companies and JACO.  To schedule an appointment, customers should contact JACO at 1-877-270-3521.

Appliance Rebate Program – residential customers can apply for rebates on Energy Star® qualified clothes washers, refrigerator-freezers, chest freezers, room air conditioners, and dehumidifiers.  Rebates on eligible appliances range from $10 to $75.  For additional information, customers can call 1-866-498-1409 or visit the Save Energy PA website.

Compact Fluorescent Light bulbs – discounts of $1 per CFL are available to customers at many Costco, Sam's Club, WalMart, and other retail stores in the companies' service territories.  By replacing incandescent light bulbs with CFLs, customers can achieve energy savings of up to 15 percent.  Shoppers will not be required to prove they are customers of a FirstEnergy utility company to receive the discount.  

                The companies already have introduced programs designed to help commercial and industrial customers save energy and money.  Additional programs for residential, commercial and industrial customers will be introduced soon.  

4/26/2010