In The News

Efficiency Maine Launches ENERGY STAR Rebate Program

Efficiency Maine today launched an ENERGY STAR^® appliance rebate program which will save consumers money on the purchase of appliances and provide ongoing savings on their utility bills.

The mail-in rebate program takes effect immediately at about 200 participating retailers statewide and offers consumers $50 off any ENERGY STAR washing machine or refrigerator and $25 off any ENERGY STAR dehumidifier.

The Efficiency Maine appliance rebate program, which is funded by the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative (RGGI) and a local system benefit charge on electricity, will continue until June 30 or until funds are no longer available.

Speaking at today’s launch, held at participating retailer Steve’s Appliance in Sydney, Efficiency Maine’s Director of Communications Paul Badeau said the program would raise awareness of the value of ENERGY STAR appliances. “There is little customers can do to change the price of electricity, but by installing more efficient appliances, customers can take charge of how much electricity they consume and that helps them lower their total electric bills,” said Badeau.

The rebates offer savings off the initial purchase price of the appliances, but the ongoing savings come regularly in consumers’ monthly utility bills once the appliances are operating. According to ENERGY STAR’s web site, for example, replacing a 10-year-old washer with a new ENERGY STAR qualified washer could save an estimated $135 annually on one’s utility bills.

An ENERGY STAR qualified dehumidifier can save consumers about $20 per year – or $220 over the life of the unit.

“The last time Efficiency Maine ran this program, we noticed it boosted overall sales by increasing interest in our ENERGY STAR appliances,” said Darcy Barrows, co-owner of Steve’s Appliance. “It was a big motivator for customers who might have otherwise been on the fence about purchasing an energy efficient appliance.”

When Efficiency Maine last offered an appliance rebate program in October 2009, more than 40,000 appliances were sold, driving roughly $20 million in retail sales in the program’s 10 months, resulting in an estimated $1,000,000 in energy savings.

Rebate forms are available in participating stores. Click here to find a retailer near you.

“We are really happy that this program will help stimulate sales at small businesses like Steve’s Appliance so they can keep up employment levels and help customers get a good deal on energy saving appliances.” Badeau said.

Established in 2002, Efficiency Maine administers programs to help businesses and homeowners access Maine’s lowest cost energy resource – energy efficiency.

FOR MORE INFORMATION PLEASE CONTACT:

Paul Badeau, Efficiency Maine, 287-4350