Energy Dept. OKs $11M for Ohio appliance rebates

7/15/2009

Six months from now when you buy a new energy-efficient refrigerator, washer, or other appliance, you can expect to get a rebate for part of the purchase price.

The U.S. Department of Energy said yesterday it has approved $11 million in funding through the federal stimulus package for use by Ohio to provide rebates when people buy certain Energy Star certified appliances. Michigan is to get $9.6 million.

"This should not only help consumers and energy usage, but also there are a number of companies in Ohio that manufacture these kind of products. They will benefit too," said Bob Grevey, a spokesman for the Ohio Department of Development, which will administer Ohio's program.

As yet, there are no details regarding which appliances will qualify, how consumers will get rebates, how much the rebates will be, or how Ohio will collect and dispose of older appliances.

Ohio has until Oct. 15 to submit a plan to the federal government for how its program will work. More than $300 million is being given out to states to provide Energy Star rebates.

The Energy Department will disburse funds by Nov. 30, and Ohio, Mr. Grevey said, is expected to make rebates available by year's end at the earliest. The $11 million for rebates will be available through 2012 or until it runs out.

John Oswald, owner of the Appliance Center in Maumee, said customers have asked about En-

ergy Star rebates, which were approved in the stimulus plan.

"We've actually started to have, in the last three or four weeks, people asking if the money's there and why the states haven't released it," Mr. Oswald said.

Energy Star-certified ap-

pliances can make a significant difference in a consumer's electric bill, Mr. Oswald said.

"If you have a 15-year-old refrigerator, you'd see a $140 saving a year minimum with a new Energy Star refrigerator," he added.

Contact Jon Chavez at:

jchavez@theblade.com

or 419-724-6128.