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U.S. consumers will have access to $300 million in appliance rebates for buying Energy Star appliances under provisions releases yesterday by the U.S. House Appropriations Committee. The rebates would be state-administered.
The Association of Home Appliance Manufacturers (AHAM) was quick to voice support for the provision, saying it provides the funding necessary to implement the rebate program, which was authorized under the Energy Policy Act of 2005. AHAM said the consumer rebate program will result in dramatic savings for consumers—$1.2 billion in utility costs could be saved annually in California alone if every household upgraded to Energy Star appliances.
Importantly, the rebates can offset some of the price premium that comes with buying Energy Star appliances over their less-energy efficient counterparts. These savings, coupled with the lifetime energy savings, AHAM points out, would more than pay for the total investment in the new appliances.
The environmental benefits are also substantial—10 billion kWh per year for California if all households upgraded.
“Funding this federal-state appliance rebate program will benefit consumers by reducing the cost of Energy Star appliances and provide them with additional discretionary income by way of reduced utility bills. The energy savings and climate benefits are also significant. It’s a practical, effective public policy measure at this time. Retiring older, less efficient appliances with Energy Star products is the single, most cost effective step a consumer can take to save money and energy,” stated AHAM President Joseph M. McGuire. “The home appliance industry urges Congress and the President to enact this measure.”
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