Governor Rell: $3.4 Million in Stimulus Funds

To Be Used For Appliance Rebate Program

 Refrigerators, Freezers, AC Units Qualify for Program

 Beginning January 25

(Listen to Gov. Rell)

Governor M. Jodi Rell today announced that consumers could receive rebates of $50 to $100 for buying Energy Star appliances and $500 for Energy Star central air systems, under a $3.4 million stimulus-funded program the state will offer beginning Monday, January 25.

The Governor said the rebates would cover purchases of Energy Star qualified refrigerators, freezers, washers, air conditioners and central air systems. The state will be one of the first states in the nation to begin the appliance rebate program.  The rebate program begins, Monday, January 25^th and will run through April 30, 2010.  If funds for rebates are still available after April, the program will be extended.

“The rebate program will give Connecticut consumers the opportunity to replace their old refrigerators, freezers, washers and air conditioners with energy saving appliances that will help them reduce their monthly bills,” Governor Rell said.

 “Shoppers can buy appliances from any retailer to replace an existing less efficient model. The program is coming on line just in time for all the President Days’ sales and that could help dealers with a big boost in their bottom lines as well,” the Governor said.

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 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 savings could be even greater for Connecticut consumers because this new program will complement existing appliance rebate programs offered by the major utilities in the state.  The utility companies are partnering with the state Office of Policy and Management to administer this new appliance rebate program.

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 and from the Connecticut electric utility companies.  Rebate forms will also be available in retail stores after February 1.  If a consumer needs a rebate form to be mailed to them, they may 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.