Oncor Adds Take A Load Off, Texas Solar Water Heating Incentive Program to Renewable Energy Initiatives

DALLAS--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Today, Oncor expanded its solar energy initiatives to include the Take A Load Off, TexasSM Solar Water Heating Program.

Oncor’s Solar Water Heating Program offers cash incentives for the purchase and installation of qualifying residential solar water heating systems. Oncor expects to install about 1,100 new solar systems over the next four years through this $2 million program. Only homes served by Oncor and using electric water heating systems are eligible.

“Oncor is committed to bring creative ways to support development of solar power, save energy and protect the environment,” Michael Stockard, Director of Oncor Energy Efficiency Programs, said. “Water heating consumes the most energy in a home after space heating and cooling. Installing a solar water heating system means consumers can use solar power to replace electricity. In Texas, harnessing the sun to do simple tasks like heating water just makes so much sense.”

By preheating water with the sun’s free and environmentally friendly energy, systems typically reduce the electricity required for hot water needs by 40 to 85 percent. Oncor will pay an incentive of $600 to $1,500 per installed system, based on the system’s predicted performance.

Oncor’s Solar Water Heating Program is one of 12 new programs Oncor plans to offer this year to promote renewable energy and encourage energy efficiency. With the introduction of these new programs, Oncor will administer a total of 31 programs that encourage energy efficiency. As a result, Oncor will operate one of the largest energy efficiency initiatives sponsored by a regulated utility in Texas.

“Homeowners, developers, and building contractors are looking increasingly towards solar energy as an innovative and sensible solution for their properties,” said Stockard. “Oncor is encouraging development of the solar industry and helping consumers to get involved with renewable energy through the solar water heating program and the recently announced Solar Photovoltaic Incentive Program.”

For more information on the Solar Water Heating Program and other Oncor energy efficiency programs, visit www.takealoadofftexas.com.

Oncor Electric Delivery Company LLC is a regulated electric distribution and transmission business that uses superior asset management skills to provide reliable electricity delivery to consumers. Oncor operates the largest distribution and transmission system in Texas, delivering power to 3 million electric delivery points over more than 102,000 miles of distribution and 14,000 miles of transmission lines. While Oncor is owned by a limited number of investors (including majority owner, Energy Future Holdings Corp.), Oncor is managed by its Board of Directors, which is comprised of a majority of independent directors.