DOE Initiates Appliance Rebate Program Jul 16, 2009

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The Association of Home Appliance Manufacturers (AHAM) applauded the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) for its July 14 release of program guidelines and funding for the Energy Efficient Appliance Consumer Rebate Program, which will be administered through state energy offices for the purchase of Energy Star appliances.

The program is funded at $300 million through the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 and will stimulate demand for home appliances, provide consumers with significant savings on the initial purchase cost and long-term utility costs of appliances, and will provide environmental benefits by substantial decreases in appliance energy consumption.

The DOE announcement allowed states to respond to the Energy Efficient Appliance Consumer Rebate Program solicitation with an individual state plan by August 15, 2009. DOE will then allocate funding to each state to administer and to provide direct rebates to consumers that purchase Energy Star appliances.

“Replacing older appliances with ENERGY STAR appliances is the most practical and effective step a homeowner can take to save energy and money on utility bills,” said AHAM President Joseph McGuire.

In March, AHAM provided feedback to the DOE on principles that would create the most effective efficiency program for consumers. DOE accepted the critical principles AHAM suggested including allowing states flexibility on implementation of this program. DOE recommends that states and territories focus their program efforts on heating and cooling equipment, appliances, and water heaters.

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