Connecticut’s version of the “Cash for Appliances,” rebate program is set to begin this week. State officials hope it will generate an economic boost to the state’s appliance manufacturers and retailers.
The $300 million program, modeled on the popular “Cash for Clunkers” auto program to provide consumers with rebates on Energy Star appliances, is funded through the federal stimulus package.
Unlike clunkers, states will be charged with running their own program, and Connecticut is slated to receive $3.4 million for its version.
The state will provide $50 to $100 rebates for Energy Star appliance purchases and $500 for Energy Star central air systems, said Gov. M. Jodi Rell.
“Shoppers can buy appliances from any retailer to replace an existing, less-efficient model,” Rell said. “The program is coming on line just in time for all the President Days’ sales and that could help dealers with a big boost in their bottom lines as well.”
The rebate program begins Jan. 25 and will run through April 30. If funds for rebates are still available after April, the program will be extended.
The rebates will apply to the following Energy Star-qualified appliances:
• $100 for clothes washers;
• $50 for refrigerators and freezers;
• $50 for room air conditioner units;
• $500 for central air conditioning units.
Rell said each Connecticut residence is permitted one rebate per replaced qualified appliance, and up to three room air conditioners.
The state Office of Policy and Management will provide program oversight, but it will partner with the Connecticut’s major utility companies, which will actually manage the rebates.
Additionally, the “Cash for Appliances” program will complement existing appliance rebate programs offered by the major utilities, creating a potential double savings for consumers.
Unlike the clunkers program, however, customers will not have to bring their old appliances into the store, but they will have to attest that the purchased product is replacing an existing one.
The more than $3 million Connecticut is receiving for the program, should be enough to rebate more than 42,000 appliance purchases, Rell said.
