PROVIDENCE – Looking to buy a new energy-efficient appliance? Rhode Island may just give you money.
The state announced Wednesday morning that it would re-launch a rebate program to reward people that replace inefficient appliances with Energy Star rated ones. The program, backed by $442,000 in federal stimulus money, starts immediately.
The program will be identical to the one launched in March. Then, the state halted the program after one day after the federal money ran dry. Rhode Islanders collected 2,961 rebates with the average person receiving $171. The state said the program generated almost $3 million in retail sales in Rhode Island and $207,806 in state sales taxes.
“The goal of this rebate program is to reduce energy consumption by replacing older, inefficient appliances with Energy Star qualified appliances,” said Ronald Renaud, executive director of the Department of Administration and Office of Energy Resources. “The program will stimulate our local economy as appliances must be purchased from a Rhode Island dealer.”
Appliances eligible for the rebates include boilers, freezers, dishwashers, furnaces, refrigerators and water heaters. Purchases after March 25 qualify.
To apply for the rebate, visit the program’s website at www.RIrebates.com or call 1-877-359-5795.
