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Rebate-Obsessed Homeowners in Kansas

Posted March 2, 2010 by Matthew Denton

Program forces a state to close its offerings only after 10 days

Formally known as the U.S. Department of Energy 2009 American Recovery and Reinvestment Act State Energy Efficient Appliance Rebate Program, the $300 million plan was launched last year to promote the use of ENERGY STAR qualified appliances.

Among those that can be used for rebate include boilers, central air conditioners, clothes washers, dishwashers, freezers, furnaces (oil and gas), heat pumps (air source and geothermal), refrigerators, room air conditioners and water heaters. Dept. of Energy Secretary Steven Chu states, “Appliances consume a huge amount of our electricity, so there’s enormous potential to both save energy and save families money every month,” said Secretary Chu.  “These rebates will help families make the transition to more efficient appliances, making purchases that will directly stimulate the economy and create jobs.”

The program has been a hit among the many. As of this writing, New York’s remaining fund is only worth $9.8 million from a total rebate funding of almost $18.7 million. But there’s a different story in Kansas. The Consumer Reports’ Home and Garden Blog writes, “Just 10 days later, the Sunflower State ran through its piece of the federally funded pie after handing out $2.6 million in rebates to low-income households who replaced appliances that were at least 10 years old. As of February 10, Kansas was the first state to close its clunkers rebate program.”

Now this is good news for us. At least, we’re aware that Kansas has successfully launched its plan. However, Moody’s Investor Services reports that the program hasn’t had created a nationwide impact according to its February 16 report.

The challenge for us therefore is to get the buzz out on the street. Tell your friends and colleagues about the program and make it a point to set a schedule for your rebate. Since states vary in the amount of rebates given, check your state’s rules on this link . If you want to earn more refunds, you may want to check your local government’s other programs in the Database of State Incentives for Renewables and Efficiency.

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