City Makes Push For Energy Cost Savings Through SHINE Program

Homeowners within the city limits of Atlanta can receive up to $6,200 in rebates and tax credits via a federally-funded program and Georgia Power Co. initiative aimed at encouraging more home energy efficiency improvements.

Atlanta's Sustainable Home Initiative in the New Economy, or SHINE, was launched earlier this year, funded by $1 million in grants from the American Reinvestment and Recovery Act and by U.S. Department of Energy. The progrem is administered through the City of Atlant's Mayor's Office Of Sustainability.

But officials hope to boost participation rates and have been making the rounds to various neighborhood groups to tout the program.

Last week, SHINE's Taylor Carson made a presentation to the East Atlanta Community Association urging members to take advantage of the program.

Here's a breakdown of how she explained the program works:

To qualify — You have to be the owner of a single-family home located within the Atlanta city limits and use a SHINE approved Contractor.

What it does — Makes qualified homeowners eligible for a up to $2,000 in rebates towards home energy efficiency improvements including but not limited to:

• duct and air sealing
• insulation improvement
• caulking
• weather-stripping
• window replacements

Additional rebates of up to $1,500 are also available for the purchase and installation of high efficiency water heater appliances, but restrictions apply.

Separately, those homeowners who are customers of Georgia Power can participate in the company's Home Energy Improvement program, which offers up to $2,200 in rebates. To be eligible, the homeowner has to have his or her home inspected, and then make the recommended improvements by an approved contractor.

Atlanta Gas Light is also offering additional rebates to SHINE participants towards the purchase and installation of high efficiency gas HVAC and water heater systems. Please visit, http://www.atlantagaslight.com/Home/EnergySavings/CityofAtlantaSHINERebates.aspx for more information.

Finally, homeowners can get up to $500 in a federal income tax credit if they make select home energy improvements in the 2011 tax year.

Here are some important links:

About the SHINE program: http://www.atlantaga.gov/mayor/shine_080410.aspx

List of approved home contractors: http://www.georgiapower.com/earthcents/residential/home-improvement-program/participating-contractors.asp

For more information: Contact SHINE at 404-954-8500 or e-mail to shine@atlantaga.gov. Online: www.shineatlanta.com