AUGUSTA — Central Maine Power Company is offering rebates to qualified customers who install new electric thermal storage heating units in their homes. The utility's ETS program was developed in response to a new state law allowing transmission-and-distribution utilities to develop programs to reduce heating costs and provide energy-efficient heating options for consumers. The Maine Public Utilities Commission unanimously approved the program last month.

"ETS heating shows great promise as an easy to use and comfortable solution for customers looking for an energy-efficient option to heat their homes," said Adam Cutter, program manager for the ETS program. "These heaters are 100 percent efficient, use low-priced off-peak electricity, and can help people save money on their heating bills."

ETS heaters contain electric heating elements surrounded by special high-density ceramic bricks that can store large amounts of heat for extended periods of time. The bricks are heated during off-peak hours when electricity prices are lower. That heat can be used to keep a home or business at a comfortable temperature 24 hours a day.

CMP is offering a limited number of rebates for customers who want to install an ETS heater at their home or small business. Customers opting for a single room heater will receive $1,500 off the purchase price. Those who wish to install an ETS furnace to heat their entire home will be offered a $4,500 discount.

In addition to the off-peak delivery price already offered by CMP, certain competitive suppliers are now offering off-peak supply pricing options. The MPUC is also seeking bids for a standard offer time-of-use supply price option to be effective in March 2013.

To participate in the program and for more information, visit www.cmpco.com/ets.