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STATE OF CONNECTICUT EXECUTIVE CHAMBERS HARTFORD, CONNECTICUT 06106 |
M. Jodi Rell Governor |
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE March 18, 2010
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Contact: 1-877- 947-3873
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Governor Rell: Hundreds of Consumers
Taking Advantage of Appliance Rebate Program
Program Has Paid Out More than $137,000 Since January 25;
More than $3 Million In Rebates Still Available
Governor M. Jodi Rell today announced that more than 1,600 consumers have already taken advantage of the state’s energy efficient appliance rebate program, which is funded by $3.4 million in federal stimulus.
“We have over 140 retailers participating in this program and there are still more than $3 million available for rebates,” Governor Rell said during a visit to S.K. Lavery Appliance in West Hartford. “This is a great time for consumers to get that energy efficient washer or refrigerator, especially as they start receiving their income tax refund checks.
“These rebates can also be used with vendor rebates. Buying now will save on energy costs in the long run,” the Governor said. “It’s more money for the household budget and more business for local retailers.”
Since its start on January 25, the program has paid out more than $137,000 in rebates. The most popular appliance purchases have been clothes washers (822) and refrigerators (447).
Connecticut is one only 14 states that have active State Energy Efficient Appliance Rebate programs. The program started in January and will continue as long as funds are available, the Governor said. The average turnaround time for a rebate checks has been four to six weeks after purchase.
The rebates will apply to the following Energy Star qualified appliances:
· Clothes washers - $100 rebate
· Refrigerators - $50 rebate
· Freezers - $50 rebate
· Room air conditioner units - $50 rebate
· Central air conditioning units - $500 rebate
Each Connecticut residence is permitted one rebate per replaced qualified appliance, and up to three (3) room air conditioners.
The Governor said the U.S. Department of Energy distributed $296 million nationwide for appliance rebates. State officials say Connecticut qualified for $3.4 million, enough to rebate more than 42,000 appliance purchases.
The stimulus funds will bolster the state’s existing and popular furnace rebate program, which helps homeowners reduce energy bills by replacing old, inefficient heating systems. Since August 2008, the program has provided $3.8 million in rebates to 8,450 individuals, who installed energy efficient furnaces.
Information and appliance rebate forms can be found at: www.ct.gov/opm/ApplianceRebates, at retailers and from the Connecticut electric utility companies. To request a rebate form by mail, call 1-877-WISE-USE or 1-877- 947-3873.
For information on other stimulus initiatives in Connecticut: visit the state’s official stimulus Web site at: www.ct.gov and click on the CT Recovery link.