Appliance "Stimulus" Package Is Coming To Kentucky. Read More Below.
Kentucky awaits appliance rebate plan OK
By Jere Downs
If you are thinking of buying a dishwasher, furnace, air conditioner unit or other major home appliance, you may be able to get a rebate from the state of Kentucky of between $20 to $400 before the holiday shopping season.
The federally-funded program, part of the stimulus bill passed in February, is aimed at promoting purchases of Energy Star-rated appliances and stimulate an appliance industry hurt in recent years by the housing and financial crisis.
Energy Star-approved appliances generally command higher prices, but could save consumers money through lower energy bills.
Kentucky and Indiana are slated to receive $4 million and $6.1 million respectively out of $300 million set aside nationally for energy-efficient appliance rebates. State plans on how to distribute the money must be submitted by Oct. 15 to the U.S. Department of Energy.
Kentucky anticipates federal approval to launch the appliance rebates by the end of November.
“Our ambitious goal is to get it done before Christmas,” said Greg Guess, director of efficiency and conservation for Kentucky’s Department of Energy Development & Independence.
Federal guidelines urge states to focus on heating and cooling equipment, appliances and water heaters, because they offer the most potential for saving energy.
Kentucky will distribute federal funds directly to consumers who fill out a rebate form, Guess said.
More expensive appliances will yield higher rebates, Guess said. Savings realized from using Energy Star appliances can be substantial, according to the Energy Department.
Refrigerators purchased before 1993 can cost up to $100 more annually to operate than new models. Replacement of clothes washers more than a decade old can yield up to $135 annually in energy savings. In all, Energy Star-rated appliances consume between 10 to 50 percent less water and energy.
Refrigerator replacement will be emphasized in Kentucky’s program, Guess said. So far, Kentucky has decided on 17 types of appliances that will eligible, including washers, refrigerators, furnaces, hot water heaters, room air conditioners and central air conditioners. Lighting products will not be included, Guess said.
General Electric’s Consumer & Industrial Division spokeswoman Kim Freeman urged consumers to consider energy savings that can be gained by replacing an appliance before the end of its lifespan.
“We think this is a great opportunity for consumers to buy energy efficient appliances not only to lower their energy costs but to benefit the environment,” Freeman said.
Information on program development in Southern Indiana was not available. A spokesperson for the Indiana Office of Energy & Defense Development did not return a phone call seeking comment.
By Jere Downs
If you are thinking of buying a dishwasher, furnace, air conditioner unit or other major home appliance, you may be able to get a rebate from the state of Kentucky of between $20 to $400 before the holiday shopping season.
The federally-funded program, part of the stimulus bill passed in February, is aimed at promoting purchases of Energy Star-rated appliances and stimulate an appliance industry hurt in recent years by the housing and financial crisis.
Energy Star-approved appliances generally command higher prices, but could save consumers money through lower energy bills.
Kentucky and Indiana are slated to receive $4 million and $6.1 million respectively out of $300 million set aside nationally for energy-efficient appliance rebates. State plans on how to distribute the money must be submitted by Oct. 15 to the U.S. Department of Energy.
Kentucky anticipates federal approval to launch the appliance rebates by the end of November.
“Our ambitious goal is to get it done before Christmas,” said Greg Guess, director of efficiency and conservation for Kentucky’s Department of Energy Development & Independence.
Federal guidelines urge states to focus on heating and cooling equipment, appliances and water heaters, because they offer the most potential for saving energy.
Kentucky will distribute federal funds directly to consumers who fill out a rebate form, Guess said.
More expensive appliances will yield higher rebates, Guess said. Savings realized from using Energy Star appliances can be substantial, according to the Energy Department.
Refrigerators purchased before 1993 can cost up to $100 more annually to operate than new models. Replacement of clothes washers more than a decade old can yield up to $135 annually in energy savings. In all, Energy Star-rated appliances consume between 10 to 50 percent less water and energy.
Refrigerator replacement will be emphasized in Kentucky’s program, Guess said. So far, Kentucky has decided on 17 types of appliances that will eligible, including washers, refrigerators, furnaces, hot water heaters, room air conditioners and central air conditioners. Lighting products will not be included, Guess said.
General Electric’s Consumer & Industrial Division spokeswoman Kim Freeman urged consumers to consider energy savings that can be gained by replacing an appliance before the end of its lifespan.
“We think this is a great opportunity for consumers to buy energy efficient appliances not only to lower their energy costs but to benefit the environment,” Freeman said.
Information on program development in Southern Indiana was not available. A spokesperson for the Indiana Office of Energy & Defense Development did not return a phone call seeking comment.
Labels: Economic news, The Environment
posted by KYJurisDoctor at 1:49 PM
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