Rochester Gas and Electric and NYSEG have increased rebates for residential natural gas customers who install energy efficient equipment. The increase went into effect on September 1st.

RG & E and NYSEG president Mark Lynch says the higher rebates help offset the initial cost of purchasing more energy efficient equipment. He says along with the environmental benefits of lower energy consumption, it also is beneficial in lowering customers' energy bills.

Qualifying Equipment and Rebate Amounts

- High-efficiency natural gas furnace (Annual Fuel Utilization Efficiency 92% or greater with an electronically-controlled motor)
Rebate: $280 (up from $225)

- High-efficiency natural gas furnace (Annual Fuel Utilization Efficiency 94% with an electronically-controlled motor)
Rebate: $500 (up from $340)

- High-efficiency natural gas furnace (Annual Fuel Utilization Efficiency 95% or greater with an electronically-controlled motor)
Rebate: $600 (up from $340)

- Water boiler (Annual Fuel Utilization Efficiency 85% or greater)
Rebate: $350 (up from $280)

- Water boiler (Annual Fuel Utilization Efficiency 90% or greater)
Rebate: $1,000 (up from $560)

- Steam boiler (Annual Fuel Utilization Efficiency 82% or greater)
Rebate: $350 (up from $280)

- Boiler reset control (Installed by a contractor at the time of a qualifying boiler installation) Rebate: $100 (up from $56)

- Indirect water heater (Installed by a contractor at the time of a qualifying boiler installation. An indirect water heater uses the main boiler to heat a fluid that is circulated through a heat exchanger in a water storage tank.)
Rebate: $210 (up from $170)

- Programmable thermostats (Installed by a contractor at the time of a qualifying furnace or boiler installation. Limit: Two.)
Rebate: $18 (up from $15)