The Arkansas Energy Office today announced an increase in rebate amounts for the Energy Star Appliance Rebate Program. The new rebate amounts are effective immediately and will apply to those who have already received a rebate through the program.
The program was funded under the federal stimulus plan with a $2.74 million grant. Its intention was to function as a "cash for clunkers" for appliances, encouraging citizens to replace less energy efficient machines. With the rebates being awarded on a first-come, first-serve basis, it would appear that sales weren’t as stimulated as hoped for thus the increase in dollar incentives.
The new rates will increase the rebate for refrigerators to $275.00 from $125.00; clothes washers to $225.00 from $175.00; and on certain water heaters to $300 from $200.00.
Qualifications for the rebate include:
- Applicant must be an Arkansas resident
- Must purchase a qualifying appliance from a participating vendor
- Must replace an existing appliance
- Must install the new appliance at their primary residential address
- Must obtain documentation that the old appliance was either removed or taken to a recycling center
For more information on the program, visit www.arkansasenergy.org or www.AR.State-Rebate.com. Those interested can also call 1-877-883-8510 with any questions.