Larkin Urges Homeowners to Apply for New Household Appliance Grant Program

$8 Million Available Statewide

Senator Bill Larkin (R-C, Cornwall-on-Hudson) urged those homeowners in Orange and Ulster county who sustained damage to their household appliances to apply for funding through the new Household Appliance Grant Program.

"I would recommend that homeowners not covered by insurance or FEMA assistance take advantage of this unique program," said Senator Larkin. "The $8 million will not last long, so I am urging those eligible homeowners to be ready to complete their applications immediately. The program applications will be available starting Monday, September 19th and will be available on the web site or the toll-free number listed below," said Larkin.

This new program, launched by Governor Andrew Cuomo today, will provide up to $8 million in funding for those who sustained property damage as a result of Hurricane Irene and Tropical Storm Lee. Vital household appliances, such as refrigerators, boilers, washing machines and furnaces, recently damaged by flooding are eligible under the program. Grants will be a fixed amount for different appliances and could cover up to 100 percent of the costs of a purchase. If the cost of the appliance exceeds the cap, the program will pay a portion of the total costs up to the cap.

Residents statewide in affected areas will be eligible and must affirm that they have been impacted by Hurricane Irene or Tropical Storm Lee and that these products are not covered by insurance or FEMA assistance. For residents affected by Hurricane Irene, grants on purchases of approved appliances and equipment will be retroactive to August 29, 2011, and for residents affected by Tropical Storm Lee, grants will be retroactive to September 9, 2011.

Purchases of appliances and equipment, with the exception of dehumidifiers, must be for replacement purposes only and purchases covered by insurance or FEMA are not eligible. Audits to verify insurance claims and/or FEMA assistance may be conducted. All grants will be awarded on a first-come, first-served basis for completed applications, which will be available beginning Monday, September 19 at www.NYSApplianceRebates.com or by calling 1-877-NY-SMART (877-697-6278). The grant funding will continue until funding runs out.

Grants will be for ENERGY STAR qualified appliances and equipment where applicable. In product categories for which there are no ENERGY STAR criteria, the higher efficiency units will be eligible for a rebate.

The list of eligible equipment and appliances and rebates levels is as follows:

Eligible Equipment & Appliances Rebate

Refrigerators (ENERGY STAR) $350

Clothes Washers (ENERGY STAR) $250

Clothes Dryers w/ Moisture Sensor $250

(higher efficiency)

Dehumidifiers (ENERGY STAR) $100

Furnace (ENERGY STAR) $2,000

Boiler (ENERGY STAR) $2,500

Hot Water Heater Tanks (electric- $400

higher efficiency; gas-ENERGY STAR)