Governor Rell: Appliance Rebate Program

Will Expand to Include Water Heaters

Accommodates Appliance Losses Due to Flooding;

Consumers Can Apply for Rebate Beginning April 15

Governor M. Jodi Rell today announced that due to severe rains early this month the state’s stimulus-funded appliance rebate program will be expanded to cover the purchase of water heaters, many of which may have been lost from damage from basement flooding.

 “This is another measure of relief that the state can extend to residents severely affected by the high rains and damaging floods, particularly in the eastern part of the state,” Governor Rell said. “However, the expanded program will give all Connecticut consumers the opportunity to replace their old water heater with a more efficient one and ultimately help them reduce their monthly bills,”

The Governor said the rebates for new Energy Star rated water heaters will range from $100 to $400. Federal guidelines allow rebates to cover water heater purchases made retroactively from April 1, 2010.  Consumers should consult with their vendors, retailers and contractors because there may be additional rebates and federal tax credits available for some models.

The rebates, funded through federal stimulus funds, will apply to the following Energy Star qualified water heaters:

·        Electric Heat Pump - $400 rebate

·        Gas Storage - $100-$200  rebate

·        Gas Tankless - $250 rebate

·        Solar, Electric Backup - $400 rebate

·        Solar, Gas Backup - $400 rebate

Information and appliance rebate forms can be found at: www.ct.gov/opm/ApplianceRebates and from the Connecticut electric utility companies.  Rebate forms for water heaters will be available after April 15^th on the website.  Rebate forms will also be available in retail stores shortly thereafter.  If a consumer needs a rebate form to be mailed to them, they may call 1-877-WISE-USE or 1-877- 947-3873.

The state appliance rebate program, funded by more than $3 million in federal stimulus funds, began January 25 and also covers purchases of energy efficient washers, refrigerators, freezers, heat pumps, room air conditioning units and central air systems. Since the start of the program, more than $400,000 in rebates have been issued on nearly 4,800 appliance purchases. Clothes washers and refrigerators account for more than 90 percent of items purchased.

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.