Gov. M. Jodi Rell announced that $3.4 million in stimulus funds would be allotted to an energy efficient rebate program. The program that began last Monday allows consumers to receive a $50 to $100 rebate with the purchase of an EnergyStar appliance.
The rebate covers purchases of clothes washers, refrigerators, freezers and room air conditioners units. Consumers can also get up to $500 for purchasing energy efficient central air conditioning units.
According to Ray Wilson, the state director of energy policy, each state was allocated an amount of money based on its population from the U.S. Department of Energy. Overall, $296 million was distributed for appliance rebates.
“The money was specified for EnergyStar appliance rebates, but the state could determine what appliances qualify and the amount of the rebate,” said Wilson.
Connecticut’s rebate amount is enough to give rebates for more than 42,000 appliance purchases.
The program is planned to run until April 30 but will be extended if there are surplus funds available.
Rell said the program will provide Connecticut consumers the opportunity to replace their old appliances, while helping reduce their energy bills by using more energy efficient products.
The new rebate program is dually beneficial. Rell hopes that the timing of the program will help dealers boost their bottom line during President Day sales.
This is not Connecticut’s first EnergyStar rebate program. Major Connecticut utility companies such as Wallingford Electric and Norwich Public Utilities already provide customers with rebates for EnergyStar purchases.
Unlike the state’s rebate program, the utility companies also provide rebates for energy efficient water heaters, dehumidifiers and dishwashers.
“The reason is that other EnergyStar products are readily available in the marketplace,” said Wilson. “The purpose of this program is to give incentive to buy certain products that may not be purchased otherwise. For example, dishwashers are significant markets. Customers don’t need additional incentives to buy one.”
If eligible, consumers can get rebates for their EnergyStar purchases from both the state and their utility company, which Rell hopes will further increase savings.
Information and appliance rebate forms are available online and through the state’s telephone hotline.
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