A new round of Energy Star rebates to encourage consumers is coming soon – but these are funded by the stimulus program for this year,\u00a0 so they will probably not last long.<\/p>\n
$300 million is being made available to the states along population lines, with the focus on larger energy-using appliances.\u00a0 Each state was allowed to develop its own program, selecting the appliances and the process for the rebates.<\/p>\n
Massachusetts will have $6.235 million<\/strong> to spend on consumer rebates.\u00a0\u00a0 The Massachusetts program will provide rebates for:<\/p>\n Retailers will be required to recycle refrigerators <\/span>and freezers<\/span> and provide proof of recycling for consumers to collect the rebate.\u00a0 This will ensure that the rebate program doesn’t unintentionally drive up energy use by consumers’ keeping their old refrigerators and freezers as spares.\u00a0 This is good planning on the Commonwealth’s part.<\/p>\n The program is planned to begin in March<\/strong> and will continue until the money is exhausted.\u00a0 That could be as little as one month.<\/span><\/strong> For those interested in handicapping the likely amount of time to take advantage of these rebates,\u00a0 consider the following:<\/p>\n Alternately, there are about 2.5 million households<\/strong> in the state. With 50,000 rebates available, that works out to about 1 for every 50 households before the money is exhausted.<\/p>\n\n
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