A partnership of the Connecticut Energy Efficiency Fund, Connecticut Light and Power and the United Illuminating Company are offering rebates and financing options to residential customers who install new central air conditioning systems that are more energy efficient and meet ENERGY STAR standards.

"Spring is the best time for homeowners to think about their air conditioning units, and now, there are more energy efficient models on the market than ever," said Rich Steeves, first vice chairman of the Energy Efficiency Board. "That's why it's important to educate yourself on where to begin in order to achieve the greatest savings and efficiency. The first step is to inspect your home's current cooling equipment, and if you find that your energy bill is taking a large hit from this potentially outdated, inefficient equipment, then you should consider upgrading to a central air conditioning system that is ENERGY STAR-qualified with proper installation."

Steeves added that choosing a high-efficiency system is one of the most important decisions homeowners can make since heating and cooling accounts for approximately 50 percent of a customer's energy bill.

"This does not have to be a costly decision, however, because there are rebates and financing available through the Energy Efficiency Fund to help customers purchase ENERGY STAR central air conditioning systems," he said.

All residential CL&P and UI customers are eligible to receive a $250 incentive on system upgrades that meet the ENERGY STAR-qualified minimum efficiency requirements. Customers who participate in the Energy Efficiency Fund's Home Energy Solutions program that upgrade existing systems within 90 days of the assessment can receive a second $250 rebate, to receive a combined total of $500 in savings.

Customers who participate in HES and upgrade to the required ENERGY STAR central air system could get another $500 incentive for participating in the Quality Installation Verification program, earning a total of $1,000 in rebates.

"In addition to these three rebate opportunities, CL&P and UI customers that participate in the HES program also have access to a low interest financing program that is a very cost-effective option for people on a budget," said Steeves.

For information, call (877) 947-3873, or visit www.CTEnergyInfo.com or www.facebook.com/energyefficiencyct.