Today the Department of Energy announced the funding for the Energy Efficient Appliance Consumer Rebate Program, which will deliver direct rebates to consumers for the purchase of ENERGY STAR appliances. AHAM has been working with the DOE since this program was first announced in the stimulus bill, a.k.a the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009, as we believe it is the most practical and effective step a homeowner can take to increase energy efficiency of their home and immediately reduce utility bills.
Now, it is up to each State Energy Office to register its interest in obtaining funding for this program. Several states already have announced that they will be applying for the funding. Arizonans could get $6.2 million for appliances! Missouri and Kansas are lining up for their share of the funding. Residents of New Mexico are ready to help stimulate the economy and decrease their energy bills with their share of the funding, amounting to $2 million.
AHAM encourages the states to submit their plans to DOE early to put money in their residents’ hands as quickly as possible.
If you are in the market for a new appliance, tell us what you think, and which appliance you will buy first.