Consumers Energy encourages its customers to become more energy efficient by offering a variety of residential energy saving solutions. Consumers Energy has rebate opportunities ranging from low-cost compact florescent light bulbs (CFLs) to a whole-house improvement program.


The Residential Lighting Program offers point-of-sale rebates to customers on CFLs at many retailers throughout the Consumers Energy service area. There is a 12 blub limit per residential household per year. Consumers Energy can help you choose CFLs that are right for your home.


If you’re interested in heating and cooling upgrades, Consumers Energy offers rebates on many types of heating and cooling systems. The rebates vary by efficiency rating and whether you’re a gas or electric customer. Any system must be installed by a Participating Contractor. These contractors will give you recommendations and will also handle the paperwork. Check out the heating and cooling rebate chart to learn which rebates you might qualify for.


In terms of hot water heaters, Consumers Energy offers gas customers a $75 rebate for a Super High Efficiency Gas Water Heater with an EF of .67 or higher. Or, gas customers can receive a $100 rebate for a Tankless Gas Water Heater with an EF of .85 or higher.


Consumers Energy also offers a variety of rebates for ENERGY STAR qualified appliances and other products used in the home. Eligible products include clothes washers, programmable thermostats, low-flow showerheads and room air conditioners. Visit Consumers Energy's ENERGY STAR Rebate Chart to learn the specific rebate opportunities. In addition, Consumers Energy offers its electric customers $30 for recycling old refrigerators or freezers. Eligible equipment must be in working condition, cleaned out and between 10 and 30 cubic feet in size, with a limit of two per customer.


If you’re a Consumers Energy residential natural gas or electric customer, you can receive up to $1,025 in rebates for improving your home’s insulation and up to $250 for installing energy efficient windows. Customers can either hire a contractor or do the work themselves. These rebates are only available until December 31, 2011 or until the funding runs out.


Finally, Consumers Energy offers its Home Performance with ENERGY STAR program for customers looking to make dramatic home efficiency improvements. Customers can get started with a $50 Home Performance Survey in which a Building Performance Institute (BPI) Certified Contractor will perform a home assessment, provide recommendations and present an energy efficiency starter kit.


Or, homeowners can have a full, comprehensive assessment. This assessment will provide a detailed analysis of your home’s energy usage as well as direct recommendations for improvement. If you decide to take action on the recommendations, Consumers Energy offers up to $5,000 in rebates toward the cost of eligible measures. The Consumers Energy Home Performance with ENERGY STAR Rebate Program is a comprehensive way to identify improvements to make sure your home is running at peak efficiency.