Public Utilities

PLANT SHADE TREES THIS LABOR DAY TO STAY COOL NEXT SUMMER

8/30/2012

Riverside, Calif. – Labor Day weekend traditionally marks the end of summer as kids are back in school and football is back on TV. But you can prepare for next summer this Labor Day weekend by planting shade trees around your home that can help you stay cool, and reduce cooling costs.

Planting shade trees in the right place around a building can reduce energy use by as much as 20 percent. Additionally, trees beautify our city, and are great for the environment as they absorb carbon dioxide and give oxygen in return, have roots that penetrate the soil to aid water retention and branches that provide habitats to birds that eat pesky summer insects.

“While most Riverside residents are familiar with Riverside Public Utilities’ spring Free Shade Tree Coupon, which appears on the backs of their March billing statements each year, we also want them to use our year-round Tree Power shade tree incentive program to plant even more,” said RPU Assistant General Manager of Customer Relations/ Marketing Mike Bacich.

Through the Tree Power program, RPU electric customers can purchase as many as five qualifying trees each year and apply to receive rebates of up to $25 per tree, for a total of up to $125 (some restrictions apply).

For complete program details on the residential and commercial shade tree incentives offered by RPU, and to download rebate applications visit www.GreenRiverside.com

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