In Bell County, TX, all homes with Oncor as their electric delivery provider may be eligible to participate in Oncor's Home Energy Efficiency Program. However, the incentives are paid to Service Providers who implement the energy saving projects rather than the consumer. The Service Provider then determines what to do with the incentive payment. Insulation and ENERGY STAR windows are both qualifying measures under the program if they are installed by a Service Provider and incentives may cover the cost of these measures, depending on the Service Provider. Service Providers participating in the program undergo an application process and enter into a standard contract with Oncor. These Service Providers can be: retail electric providers, contractors, energy service companies and customers. You can find information on choosing a Service Provider on the Oncor website. Homes built after January 2002 are not eligible for the program.

Funding for the 2010 Home Energy Efficiency Program is exhausted, but the program will be reopened early in 2011.

Or, if you have already completed the improvements to your primary home, the federal tax credit will cover 30 percent up to $1,500 of the cost of materials for energy-efficient improvements completed by the end of 2010. In order to receive the credit, you'll need to owe money on your 2010 federal income tax returns.