In an effort to feed two children with the same bottle, the Obama administration has created a rebate program that has potential to affect the average Joe and Jane. The nation has stumbled forward, carrying the weight of the struggling economy on one leg and the weight of energy concerns on the other; but the current administration hopes to change that.
It is hope of recovery, of success, of change that prompted the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act. And it is that same hope that has created a sub-program within the Recovery Act; a program that will encourage energy efficiency while putting money back into the hands of the people.
In a move that will leverage the power of the Energy Star (R) program, the Department of Energy has made nearly $300 million of Recovery Act funding available for state-run rebate programs. The rebate programs are meant to encourage the purchase of Energy Star appliances, which will help save consumers energy and money.
“Appliances consume a huge amount of our electricity, so there’s enormous potential to both save energy and save families money every month,” said Department Secretary Chu. “These rebates will help families make the transition to more efficient appliances, making purchases that will directly stimulate the economy and create jobs.”
States and territories are required to submit a plan that specifies which Energy Star appliance categories will be included in their rebate program, the rebate level for each product type, how the rebates will be processed, and their plan for recycling old appliances.
While States have flexibility as to which appliances will be included in their plans and the rebate amount for the appliances, the Department of Energy suggests that the States focus their program efforts on heating and cooling equipment, appliances, and water heaters because these products offer the greatest energy savings potential.
Central air conditioners, heat pumps (air source and geothermal), boilers, furnaces (oil and gas), room air conditioners, clothes washers, dishwashers, freezers, refrigerators, and water heaters are all qualified Energy Star appliances that are eligible for rebate.
More: Will this program actually work?
Photo Credit: Kat… via flickr under Creative Commons License
I think it is fantastic how the stimulus funds are making a difference. They are being taken advantage of all the time with the installation of geothermal heat pumps to replace high energy heating and cooling systems.