Here in Albuquerque, utility companies are encouraging consumers to go green in the most powerful way: by talking directly to our wallets! Yep, there are utility-sponsored cash incentives for doing things that are green and eco0friendly, at least in Albuquerque, NM!

Here are some examples:

1. PNM (Public Service Company of New Mexico) wants to help keep those old refrigerators out of the landfills, while simultaneously encouraging the use of more energy-efficient models. Their plan? a $30 rebate plus the free removal of the old refrigerator to PNM's state-of -the-art recycling facility, where almost everything can be recycled and kept out of the landfill.
2. PNM's natural gas customers can get a 25% rebate (up to a maximum of $500) for participating in the Insulation and Weatherization program. And, of course, the more efficient insulation will also save $$ in energy costs!
3. There's also a Home Lighting Discount Program that lowers the price of purchasing compact fluorescent bulbs, which use much less electricity than standard bulbs.
4. Participants in PNM's "Power Saver Program" for refrigerated air conditioners get an initial $25 check, and another $25 tahkn you check in the fall, all for allowing PNM to install an energy-saving device on the outdoor compressor of their air conditioner.
5. PNM has other offers in place, too. Just go to www.pnm.com/rebates for the complete list!

And it's not just PNM that's in eco-friendly mode these days. The Albuquerque/Bernalillo County Water Authority is offering rebates to customers for purchasing water-saving appliances, or for converting their yard to xeriscaping. For example, customers can get a $125 rebate for the installation of a 1.6 galon flush toilet to replace an older, less efficient model, and there are $100 rebates offered for purchasing wasing machines from a specified list, or for purchasing a new hot wwater recirculation pump. There are also rebates for installing multi-stream rotor heads for sprinklers, rain sensors, and rainwwater harvesting barrels. You can see a full list of the Water Authority's rebate offers at www.abcwua.org.

So, be good to the earth and to your pocketbook at the same time! Check out these rebates, and find ways to conserve.