Energy Rebate Program Announced for Refrigerators and Washing Machines

State Senator Jack M. Martins wants to let residents know that there The New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA) today announced is a new $3 million rebate program specifically for the purchase of high-efficiency ENERGY STAR® refrigerators and clothes washers. The program begins Sept. 2, 2011 under the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA)

Rebates of $350 will be available for high-efficiency refrigerators and $250 for high-efficiency clothes washers that meet Consortium for Energy Efficiency (CEE) super-efficiency levels. Super-efficient appliances use significantly less electricity than the federal standard and are at the upper end of ENERGY STAR efficiency levels. Super-efficient clothes washers also use less water than standard washing machines. Visit www.cee1.org for more detail about super-efficient refrigerators and clothes washers.

According to CEE, the refrigerator is the single biggest power consumer in most households, accounting for about 15 percent of residential electricity usage.

Rebates will be awarded on a first-come, first-served basis for completed applications, which will be available on a special website to be launched prior to the kickoff date or by calling 1-877- NY-SMART (877-697-6278). Purchases made before September 2, 2011 are not eligible for rebates. The program will continue until funding runs out.

The new rebate program, supported by federal funds from the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA) and approved through the U.S. Department of Energy for use by New York State, is called “Buy Green, Save Green NYS High-Efficiency Appliance Rebate Program.” Unlike the “New York State Great Appliance Swap-Out,” which ran from February 2010 until those funds ran out in March 2011, the new program does not provide rebates for freezers or dishwashers and does not provide rebates for recycling.\

“Any way to save on energy costs is a plus for our residents. It encourages energy efficiency while also saving on electric bills,” said Senator Martins.

“We’re focusing on appliances where we can make the biggest energy efficiency gains,” said Francis J. Murray Jr., President and CEO of NYSERDA.