Arizona Receives Approval on Funding for Appliance Rebate Program

U.S. Department of Energy Awards Arizona $6.2 Million for Appliance Rebate Program

(Phoenix, AZ) – The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) has awarded Arizona more than $6.2 million for an appliance rebate program. This program, funded by the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA) of 2009, is designed to help consumers make the switch to Energy Star appliances which are generally 15-50 percent more efficient than standard appliances.

Under Arizona’s program, administered by the Arizona Department of Commerce Energy Office, eligible appliances will be Energy Star clothes washers, dishwashers and water heaters with rebates ranging from $75 to $425, depending on the purchase.

“Appliances were selected with Arizona in mind,” said Energy Office Director Jim Arwood. “These purchases will not only save energy, but will also reduce water use and that’s a great combination of savings for those of us who live in the arid Southwest.”

Most major Arizona utility companies have administered similar rebate programs for their customers for years. As such, utility representatives and energy specialists were part of a committee to determine how best to utilize the rebate funding for Arizona.

Rebate requirements will be available to consumers in March of 2010. Setting-up the statewide administration process with participating vendors is expected to take 8-12 weeks. The program is anticipated to operate next year within a March to May timeframe or until funds are depleted.

“There’s no way to determine how long the rebates may last as it will depend upon the consumer,” Arwood said.

To plan for future purchases, a list of rebate eligible appliances is now available at the Energy Office website: www.azcommerce.com/Energy/Rebate or by calling the Appliance Rebate Hotline at 602-771-1186. More information will be posted as it becomes available.

Source:  Arizona Department of Commerce

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