The US Department of Energy (DOE) has established a new national standard for central air conditioners. After January 23, 2006, all electric central air conditioners and air source heat pumps manufactured must meet or exceed the minimum efficiency standard set at 13 SEER. As a result of this change, New Jersey's Clean Energy Program's COOLAdvantage Program will no longer pay a rebate for central air conditioners and air source heat pump equipment with a SEER between 13 and 13.99 installed after December 31, 2005. Existing rebates and eligibility requirements for central air conditioners with a SEER 14 or more and an EER of 12 and (in the case of air source pumps) a HSPF of 8.5 or more remain in effect.

Additional changes to New Jersey's Clean Energy Program's COOLAdvantage Program incentive levels are anticipated in 2006, pending the development of new efficiency tiers by the Consortium for Energy Efficiency (CEE) and the result of market research being conducted on the impact of the new DOE standard. Any future program modifications will be announced as soon as possible. Please continue to use your supply of 2005 rebate applications until new forms are developed and made available.

For additional information regarding program changes and updates, contact your participating electric or gas utility or the Eastern Heating and Cooling Council (www.eh-cc.org) at 1-800-247-6547.