Industry Update

What is happening around Alabama and the United States regarding the electric industry and energy . . .

Energy Efficiency Tax Credits Available

If you purchase an energy-efficient product or renewable energy system for your home, you may be eligible for a federal tax credit. The Department of Energy's website has an overview of the federal tax credits for energy efficiency that are currently available.

While some energy efficiency tax credits are available through 2011, others are available through 2016. In addition, tax credits were available in 2009 and 2010 which can still be claimed on your 2010 taxes. Learn more about the tax credits that expired at the end of 2010.

Visit the Department of Energy's website to learn more.

Tax Incentives from the IRS

The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act provides tax incentives for individuals to invest in energy-efficient products. Get more information on the IRS website.

News Articles

December 2011

Roby: Extend Payroll Tax Holiday for Full Year -- WASHINGTON -- 12-21-2011 -- Rep. Martha Roby made the following comments today regarding ongoing congressional negotiations to extend the payroll tax holiday: “The facts are simple. President Obama, leaders of the Republican House, and leaders of the Democratic Senate have all said they want a one-year extension of the payroll tax holiday. Read press release.

Hill Blocks Funds for Bulb Standards -- by Todd H. Cunningham, ECT Staff Writer -- 12-20-2011 --Congress has hit the “off” switch, at least temporarily, on the enforcement of light bulb efficiency standards that opponents characterized as an effective ban on traditional incandescent models. Read article in ECToday.

Low-Income Heating Aid is Cut -- by Michael W. Kahn, ECT Staff Writer Published -- 12-21-2011 -- Funding for a home heating program will be cut from last year’s level under the omnibus spending package approved by Congress late last week. Read article in ECToday.

DOE Funds Fuel Cell Car Research -- by Michael W. Kahn, ECT Staff Writer -- 12-21-2011 -- With electric cars now a reality on American roads, the Energy Department is turning its attention—and money—to fuel cell vehicles. Read article.

EPA rules threaten older power plants -- 12-19-11 -- Associated Press -- More than 32 mostly coal-fired power plants in a dozen states will be forced to shut down and an additional 36 might have to close because of new federal air pollution regulations, according to an Associated Press survey. Read article.

Congress flips dimmer switch on light bulb law -- 12-16-11 -- by Matthew Daly, Associated Press -- Republicans in Congress are flipping the dimmer switch on a law that sets new energy-savings standards for light bulbs. They've reached a deal to delay until October enforcement of standards that some fear will bring about the end of old-style, 100-watt bulbs. GOP lawmakers say they're trying to head off more government interference in people's lives. Read article.

August 2011

Cost Saving Tips to Keep You Cool -- WTVY News 4 -- Aug. 3, 2011 -- The summer heat has some residents sweating their electric bill. View report from Vanessa Araiza with WTVY Channel 4.