Customer Newsletter, January 2009

Federal Tax Credits Available for Energy Efficiency

In October 2008, President George W. Bush signed the Emergency Economic Stabilization Act of 2008, which extended tax credits for energy efficient home improvements. These credits had expired at the end of 2007, but are now available in 2009.

Improvements for home energy efficiency placed in service between January 1, 2009 and December 31, 2009. Some of the home improvement tax credits include insulation, replacement windows, non-solar water heaters, and certain high-efficiency heating and cooling equipment. The maximum amount a taxpayer can claim from these credits is a combined $500 over the lifetime of the tax credit (2006, 2007 and 2009).

If you are building a new home, you do not qualify for the tax credits for “eligible building envelope components (windows, doors, insulation, roofs) or “qualified energy property”.

There are many details that you will want to check out for yourself about the tax credits available to you. Log on to Energy Star’s website at www.energystar.gov and look for the “Tax Credit” icon on their home page.

Other stories you'll find inside this edition:
  • Board Reviews Rate Study Results, Adjusts Rates for 2009
    • In December, Southern Power District's Board of Directors reviewed a rate study which examined the implementation of an 11-percent rate increase to be put into effect on January 1, 2009. More>>>
  • Energy Wise Tip: Apogee Calculator...Go Online for Energy Savings!
    • Energy costs are rising. Wouldn't it be great if all types of energy efficiency advice were in one place? Somewhere you could sort through and make sense of the mountain of information? More>>>
  • Electric Heat Incentives
    • Southern offers an incentive program to customers who convert their existing, fossil fueled heating and cooling system with an energy efficient, ENERGY STAR qualified air source or ground source heat pump. More>>>
  • Southern Seeks Scholarship Applicants
    • If you know a recent high school graduate, or a student who will graduate from high school in 2009, now is the time to start thinking about Southern Power District’s Utility Line Scholarship Program. More>>>
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