General Electric’s Consumer & Industrial division announced that it will start to manufacture highly energy efficient hybrid electric water heaters in Louisville, Kentucky, which will create about 400 new jobs. The new hybrid patented technology will make GE the first manufacturer to introduce a water heater that will meet the new 2009 Department of Energy ENERGY STAR standards for heat pump hot water heaters, putting GE well ahead of the competition, a position their recent financial troubles has made precarious.
“We made the decision to build these products in Louisville because of the strong support from our state and local governments and the cooperative spirit of our Union leadership and our employees at Appliance Park. This clearly indicates GE’s vote of confidence in this facility and our employees as a place where we can invest in our future, continuing our 50+ year history,” said GE Consumer & Industrial President and CEO James Campbell. “Leadership from Governor Steve Beshear, Mayor Jerry Abramson, IUE-CWA President Jerry Carney and many others will help rebuild America’s manufacturing base, create jobs and enable innovative, energy-efficient American-made products to be competitive in the marketplace.”
The new industry-exclusive GE Hybrid Electric Water Heater is designed to provide hot water in the quantities homeowners demand but uses only about half the energy of conventional water heaters to produce it.
July 4th, 2009 at 8:08 pm
This technoology actually works, my first one lasted for 16 years with no repair expense. Unfortunately few were sold and I can not find a dealer for any brand of replacement were I live. Hypocritical Eco wackos wait for the goverment to do the conservation for them.
July 10th, 2009 at 12:42 pm
Brian Taylor:
What brand did you have? What did you replace it with?
October 13th, 2009 at 1:07 pm
Dear Everyone We will be manufacturing an add-on component to existing hot water heaters that will revolutionize the industry. This product will be 100% US made and will generate about 1300 gallons per hour of hot water with a tempering valve so it can be used in residences and commercial apps. The total cost installed will eb about $500 but will qualify for all types of rebates and with another option of about $150 the water will be at the place of dispersal within 30 seconds. The product will be available early 2010 and was produced on a limited basis in 1979 but never caught on. Those installed are still running with no maintenance.
November 10th, 2009 at 11:25 am
Are you allowed to tell us what the product is and what your company name is so that I can research? I’m looking at buying a new water tank in the near future so I’m very interested new tech. Thanks.
January 19th, 2010 at 1:24 pm
Are they going to make a low boy size General Electric Hybrid electric water heater?
February 26th, 2010 at 7:20 pm
Sounded great until I say manufacturer. Currently own a GE/Rheam built gas hot water tank that had problems beginning less than 2 years after purchase – we within warranty and service and parts were REFUSED. Like the sounds of the technology but doubt I’ll ever give my money to this company again. Hopefully someone else will pick up and make a gas hybrid.
April 14th, 2010 at 10:11 pm
I live in Vancouver B.C CANADA where can I buy GE HYBRID HOT WATER HEATER?