Northern Indiana Public Service Company (NIPSCO) is expanding its lineup of energy savings programs with the addition of an appliance recycling home pickup program for residential electric customers.

Beginning on Tuesday, customers who own older, inefficient refrigerators and freezers can schedule a free pickup and receive a $35 incentive reward through NIPSCO’s Appliance Recycling Program.

Each old refrigerator or freezer requires an average of 700 to 1,600 kilowatt-hours (kWh) to operate annually. If a spare refrigerator used in a basement or garage is removed and not replaced, energy savings can amount to 1,200 kWh per year, with an average reduction of $100 or more in annual electricity charges.

“Many customers are astounded when they learn how much more energy it requires to keep food and beverages cold in those secondary refrigerators and freezers normally stored in the garage or basement,” said Guy Ausmus, senior vice president of customer engagement for NIPSCO. “Besides helping save energy and money, this program ensures that all units are safely dismantled and recycled in an environmentally responsible way.”

NIPSCO’s program partner, American Recycling Centers of America Inc. (ARCA), will perform the in-home collection of qualifying refrigerators and freezers and properly recycle the units, which will prevent more than 95 percent of the recyclable materials in the old units from entering the waste stream.

NIPSCO customers can schedule a free pickup on-line at www.NIPSCO.com/SaveEnergy or by calling toll-free (877) 341-2190. Program funding is limited, and participation will be on a first-come, first-served basis.

Additional program details include:

•Must be a NIPSCO residential electric customer.

•Must own the refrigerator or freezer and it must be 10-30 cubic feet.

•Appliance(s) must be in working order.

•Appliance(s) must be plugged in prior to pickup.

•Appliance(s) will be picked up, at no charge, from address listed on the billing account.

•$35 reward will be mailed within four weeks after pickup.

•Limit of two appliances per household, per year.

“This new program is just one of the many ways we’re continuing to provide customers with information and tools they need to make better-informed energy decisions that will lower their energy bills, save them money and result in a positive environmental impact,” Ausmus added.

To learn more about NIPSCO energy savings programs and other ways to save, visit www.NIPSCO.com/SaveEnergy

Posted 8/11/2010