Rate increases are on the way for electricity and natural gas customers - and that means higher energy costs during the upcoming heating season. To help homeowners, Energy Trust of Oregon has launched new limited-time incentives and bonuses offering more cash back than ever before for qualified energy efficiency improvements. Energy Trust can also help Oregonians find the best ways to save energy in their homes - for free.

Energy Trust is offering many limited-time incentives to help customers prepare this season. Many of these home improvements are also eligible for Oregon Residential Energy Tax Credits. Some of the offers include:

€ Unlimited $100 bonuses for gas improvements - Install one eligible energy-efficient gas improvement and for every additional qualifying improvement, receive a $100 bonus. The bonus is in addition to the standard incentives for all improvements made. Offer is valid until April 30, 2009.

€ $50 bonus for a new furnace - Receive a $150 standard cash incentive, plus a $50 bonus, when you install a 90-plus high-efficiency gas furnace. This offers is also valid until April 30, 2009.

€ $50 bonus for a new heat pump - Receive $50 back on a high-efficiency heat pump, in addition to the standard cash incentive. Offer valid until Nov. 30, 2008.

€ More money back on new washers - Get $75 or $100 cash back on Energy Star clothes washers.

€ More money back on new refrigerators - Get $50 cash back on certain Energy Star refrigerators.

€ $30 back to recycle a refrigerator or freezer - Let Energy Trust recycle an old refrigerator or freezer and get $30 cash, plus free pick up.

Homeowners ready to start can request estimates from Energy Trust trade ally contractors listed on Energy Trust's website. Or they can schedule an expert adviser to conduct a free Home Energy Review and receive a customized energy-saving plan.

For a list of all new incentives and bonuses from Energy Trust and to schedule a free Home Energy Review or find a trade ally contractor, visit www.energytrust.org/solutions or call 1-866-368-7878. A list of standard incentives can be found online at www.energytrust.org/residential/existinghomes/incentives.html.