SUEZ, O&R Offer Conservation Rebates to Rockland, Orange Customers

SUEZ has launched a customer conservation program for its residential and commercial customers in Rockland and Orange counties that offers significant monetary rebates on the purchase of water-saving appliances like toilets, showerheads and washing machines. The program is part of an innovative collaboration with Orange and Rockland Utilities to help customers save water and energy while lowering their utility bills.

They're talking saving $50 in water costs per year from a new washing machine, $65 per year on a toilet, $35 per year on a shower. The annual savings estimates are based on the usage of an average Rockland family of four replacing a 3.5 gallon per flush toilet, a non-Energy Star washing machine and a 2.7 gallon per minute showerhead.

And that's not even talking about the lower electric bills.

Combined rebates from SUEZ and O&R can represent a purchase discount of up to 80 percent on selected showerheads. Rebates of $100 on washing machines and $75 on toilets are now also available from SUEZ with more products added in coming months. By upgrading to a more water-efficient device, a family can save the equivalent of one month’s water bill over the course of one year. The purchase of multiple rebates would yield even greater savings.

“The opportunity for customers to earn substantial rebates and lower their utility bills will help inspire them to replace their old washing machines, toilets, showerheads and other household devices with water and energy efficient appliances,” Chris Graziano, vice president and general manager of SUEZ operations in New York, said in the announcement. “We are excited to join with O&R in this innovative program.”

SUEZ customers can purchase approved water-savings products at any retailer or online by visiting www.SUEZconserve.com and receive rebates. Approved products must meet WaterSense or EnergyStar standards.

O&R launched its own energy conservation program in 2016 featuring rebates on a wide variety of energy efficient products available for purchase online. SUEZ will share that web-based platform.

“This program represents a terrific opportunity for those customers served by both O&R and SUEZ to help the environment by using special products designed to save water and energy," O&R President and CEO Tim Cawley said in the announcement. "Using less water and energy means those customers also will save on their water and energy bills. In addition to the bill savings, both O&R and SUEZ provide an incentive to customers who purchase and install these energy efficiency products.”

SUEZ’s program also allows commercial, multi-family and industrial customers to save money and water. Business customers that use large amounts of water can request free water efficiency assessments that will identify ways to save money by installing water-efficient urinals, showerheads, toilets, washing machines and pre-rinse spray valves.

“Our program is designed to help customers conserve water today and preserve natural resources for tomorrow,” said Graziano. “Our customers already understand the importance of conservation and practice it as part of their daily lives. We believe this program will bring Rockland to the next level of water and energy conservation.”

SUEZ will promote its program through a wide array of advertising and communications channels including email, social media, radio, TV, direct mail, digital, and print as well as through workshops with business, trade and community groups.

The SUEZ conservation program was approved by the New York State Public Service Commission in January as part of a five-year plan to reduce water demand. Other components of the plan include a conservation-oriented rate design, advanced metering infrastructure and strengthened leak management measures. These efforts may delay the need to develop additional water resources that may be required to meet Rockland’s long-term water needs.

For additional information about the rebate program, visit www.SUEZconserve.com.

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