44 States and Territories Have Launched Consumer Rebate Programs for Purchase of Energy Star Qualified Home Appliances

ALEXANDRIA, Va., April 22 /PRNewswire/ -- (EARTH DAY) -- The U.S. Department of Energy's $300 million State Energy Efficient Appliance Rebate Program, otherwise known as cash for clunkers for appliances, has now been initiated in 44 states and U.S. territories for consumers who purchase approved Energy Star appliances for their homes or apartments.  The remaining states and territories are gearing up to launch their individual programs, with funding from the federal economic stimulus package approved last year.  State energy offices administer the rebate programs.

Appliance rebates generally range from $50 to $250 per qualified appliance and can often be combined with manufacturer or utility rebates.  Other eligibility rules may apply in each state.  Rebates are offered at point of purchase, such as through reimbursement checks.  There may be other ways, too, since each state is setting up its own processing system.  Some states are combining recycling programs for old appliances with their purchase rebate programs for new appliances.  

"The nation's state energy offices are working closely with the U.S. Department of Energy and local and national retailers to offer rebate programs tailored to both maximize energy savings and benefits to consumers," said Phil Giudice, Commissioner, Massachusetts Department of Energy Resources, and Chair of the National Association of State Energy Officials.

The following 44 states and territories have launched, and in some cases concluded, their energy efficient appliance rebate programs since late 2009:

"Appliances consume a huge amount of our electricity, so there's enormous potential to save both energy and save families money every month," said U.S. Department of Energy Secretary Steven Chu.  "These rebates will help families make the transition to more efficient appliances, making purchases that will directly stimulate the economy and create jobs."

Funding for the appliance programs is provided under the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act, which was signed into law in February 2009.  

About NASEO

Members of the National Association of State Energy Officials lead America's State and Territory Energy Offices, which build on the unique resources of their states and regions to advance key energy goals, including:

• Improving energy efficiency in homes, commercial buildings, industry and agriculture
• Opening markets for renewable energy, such as solar, wind, geothermal and biofuels
• Promoting sound residential, commercial and institutional energy building codes
• Transforming transportation by advancing biofuels, plug-in hybrids and other alternative fuels and vehicles
• Delivering cost-effective and verifiable greenhouse gas emissions savings
• Developing and testing creative clean energy financing mechanisms (such as revolving loan funds), policies and market transformation programs
• Supporting state research institution innovation of cutting-edge energy technologies
• Enhancing energy assurance and energy emergency preparedness

Public and private-sector energy organizations are welcome to join NASEO as affiliate members.  For more information, visit www.NASEO.org.  A complete list of state energy office websites is available at http://www.naseo.org/members/states/.

SOURCE National Association of State Energy Officials, NASEO