TEX BOOSTS EFFICIENCY W/APPLIANCE REBATE

Appliance rebates, Texas-sized; State’s deals in promotion of energy-efficient appliances will be among top in U.S.
Tom Fowler, January 2, 2010 (Houston Chronicle)

"Texans will get some of the country's most generous rebates for new appliance purchases under a federal stimulus program, including up to $315 for a new energy-efficient refrigerator…[T]he deals don't kick in until April…[but get ready because] the money may go fast.

"The rebates are part of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act, the federal stimulus program that has doled out billions of dollars through programs such as the “cash for clunkers” new car purchase program and “smart grid” electric infrastructure investments…Of the $300 million set aside to encourage the purchase of new energy-efficient appliances, Texas received $23.3 million, which will be administered through the office of state Comptroller Susan Combs…"

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"Many of the details of the plan are still up in the air, since the state hasn't chosen a contractor to coordinate the program. But the dollar amounts and dates are set…Of the 56 states and territories taking part in the program, Texas rebates will be among the highest…

"…[A] new EnergyStar-labeled [i.e., DOE/EPA certified efficient] refrigerator is eligible for a $240 mail-in rebate. Purchasers who recycle their old refrigerators and provide proof can get an additional $75…In California…rebates for new refrigerator are just $75 and consumers are required to recycle their older appliances…Of the plans that have been approved and formalized, only Kansas is providing larger refunds, with up to $700 for refrigerators and $800 for clothes washers…"

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"The rebates apply only to EnergyStar-labeled appliances purchased from April 16 to April 25…Texas consumers will be able to reserve their rebates in the two weeks before the purchase window by applying online or by phone, but details aren't yet available…Appliance rebate programs have been in place for a number of years, but this is the first year the federal program has been funded so heavily.

"The stimulus refunds probably won't lead many consumers to make purchases they weren't planning…But the rebates may encourage purchases of higher-end units that are more efficient, particularly in Texas where the rebates can equal up to 15 percent of a new appliance's purchase price…The $75 appliance rebate could trigger a boom for Texas appliance recyclers…"