A federal grant of $1.1 million will help fund rebates of up to $75 on new, energy-efficient appliances
 
Congresswoman Chellie Pingree today announced a Recovery Act grant of just over $1.1 million to fund a rebate program for energy efficient appliances in Maine.  The program allows Mainers to get rebates of up to $75 when they buy an energy efficient air conditioner, dehumidifier, clothes washer or refrigerator/freezer.
 
“This funding helps Maine in two ways,” Pingree said. “It saves families money by allowing them to trade in older appliances for new ones that use less energy and stimulates the economy by boosting sales to local appliance stores.”

The program was started in October by Efficiency Maine—a program of the Maine Public Utilities Commission--with seed money from the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative (RGGI) funds.  With Recovery Act funding now in place, the rebate program is expected to be able to run into next summer. 
 
“This stimulus funding will help insure that the program continues into next year and that many more Maine families to take advantage of rebates on new, energy efficient appliances,” said Commission Chair Sharon Reishus,  “We’re grateful to get this anchor support from the Recovery Act.”
 
Unlike the popular “cash for clunkers” car program, consumers do not need to trade an old appliance to be eligible for rebates. Just obtain a mail-in rebate form from the retailer and send it in with your receipt.
 
Consumers can get more info at Pingree’s website, www.pingree.house.gov.