CPS Energy customers looking to create some shade around their home or business can still take advantage of the Green Shade Rebate program, which has been extended until April 30. Customers can receive up to three rebates of $50 each by planting trees on their residential or commercial property.

Since the program began on October 1, 2010, more than 1,400 rebates worth nearly $72,000 have been credited to customers’ utility bills. Rebates will be awarded on a first come, first serve basis until funds are exhausted.

CPS Energy customers interested in the program must:

• Purchase a qualifying tree(s) in at least a size #5 container (5 gallon) or larger before May 1.
• Call 811 at least 48 hours before digging to avoid hitting underground utility lines.
• Plant trees at least 25 feet away from overhead utility lines.
• Plant tree(s) within 10 – 30 feet of an air-conditioned home or building AND on the west, south, or east side. Trees planted on the north side of the structure will not qualify.
• Complete and sign the rebate application (available at cpsenergy.com) and mail it in with the ORIGINAL sales receipt and a planting location map.

Tree species that qualify for the Green Shade rebate are:

• Anaqua
• Arizona Cypress
• Montezuma Cypress
• Texas Ebony
• Cedar Elm
• Mesquite
• Bur Oak
• Chinquapin Oak
• Lacey Oak
• Live Oak
• Mexican White Oak
• Texas Red Oak
• Pecan
• Mexican Sycamore
• Texas Walnut

The Green Shade Rebate program is being made available through a partnership with the City of San Antonio and is funded, in part, by the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act through the U.S. Department of Energy.

Visit cpsenergy.com to get complete rebate guidelines, download an application and tree planting instructions. Applications also are available at most local nurseries, or customers can call (210) 353-2728. Interested individuals also can visit the nearest CPS Energy customer service center to get more information.