For over 20 years, NSTAR has offered energy efficiency programs to help folks control their energy use. As technology has improved over the years, so have the options available to our customers.

This year is no exception, with new programs and enhancements to existing ones becoming available in unprecedented numbers. Some of our 2010 enhancements are available today, while others will be rolled out in the coming months. I’m dedicating this month’s column to providing details about a few of the ways NSTAR is helping customers save green while being green.

To help folks interested in replacing old, inefficient refrigerators, NSTAR is once again offering a $50 mail-in rebate toward the purchase of ENERGY STAR-qualified models bought between January 1, 2010 and December 31, 2010. ENERGY STAR-qualified fridges can save $100 or more in energy costs annually compared with inefficient models. And new in 2010 is a $50 rebate for ENERGY STAR-qualified freezers.

Power used by electronic devices when they’re “off” can account for 10 percent of a home’s electricity use. SmartStrips – the latest generation of power strips – automatically cut power to unused devices, and leave it on for others like cable boxes and DVRs so you don’t have to reprogram them. NSTAR customers who order a SmartStrip by May 31, 2010 are eligible for an instant $10 rebate and free shipping.

A typical room air cleaner or purifier, operating continuously, uses approximately 60 percent more electricity than the amount used by a new refrigerator. NSTAR is offering a $20 mail-in rebate toward the purchase of ENERGY STAR-qualified room air cleaners bought between January 1, 2010 and December 31, 2010. Qualified room air cleaners are 35 percent more energy efficient than standard models, saving you approximately $450 annually.

This is just a sample of the exciting programs available for NSTAR customers this year. Coming soon are fridge and freezer recycling rebates, computer and LCD monitor rebates and special discounts on energy efficient TVs.

For more information about our programs and rebates, click on “Energy Efficiency” in the left-side menu above. In my next column, I’ll continue the discussion about the increasing options available to NSTAR customers in 2010.