Congressman Brian Higgins (NY-27) announced that New York is among the first 18 states approved for a U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) appliance rebate program.  Local consumers will be able to receive rebates between $50 and $550 for qualifying Energy Star refrigerator, clothes washer, freezer and dishwasher purchases during President’s week in February 2010.  

“This is a great opportunity for Western New York to save money in the short term with cash rebates and in the long term with energy cost savings,” said Congressman Higgins. “In addition, the program will create demand that will assist with job creation and retention for those who sell, make and deliver appliances and associated components.”  

Generally under the “Great Appliance Swap Out” program customers purchasing qualifying energy efficient appliances would be eligible for a rebate of $75 ($105 with documented recycling) for refrigerators, $75 ($100 with documented recycling) for clothes washers and $50 ($75 with documented recycling) for freezers.  Rebates are available for dishwashers when they are purchased as part of a three appliance package, which may qualify for a $500 rebate ($550 with documented recycling.)

Below is a product/rebate breakdown:

The program will be administered by the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA). Rebate information and applications will be available at www.NYApplianceSwapOut.com.  Additional details will also be available at www.getenergysmart.org, through NYSERDA’s hotline at 1-877-NY-SMART or from a participating retailer.  New York will receive $18.7 million through the Recovery Act to provide cash rebates to New York residents who purchase high-efficiency appliances. 

NYSERDA expects to process 172,987 rebates –including 69,399 individual appliance rebates and 3,588 high-efficiency appliance package rebates. It is anticipated the program will result in annual energy savings of over 15,000,000 kWh, reduce CO2 emissions by 23,213,807 lbs and save 469,211,264 gallons of water each year.