The Rhode Island Office of Energy Resources today announced the official launch of the Energy Efficient Appliance Rebate Program on Thursday, March 25, 2010. Funded by the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009, Rhode Island residents can apply for rebates on purchases of qualified energy efficient appliances and heating systems. Total funding for rebates is $882,000 and is available on a first come, first serve basis. Rebates range from $100 to $500. Approved applicants will receive a Visa® Prepaid card via mail.
The purposes of this program are to take energy inefficient kitchen appliances and heating systems out of use, encourage their recycling, and replace them with energy efficient appliances through direct consumer rebates. The Office of Energy Resources has contracted with Hegelson Enterprises, a third party contractor, to administer the program. Rhode Island residents can apply for the rebate in advance and must purchase the designated Energy Star appliance within fifteen days of approval. To apply for the rebate, visit the program’s website at www.RIrebates.com or call 1-877-359-5795.
“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.”
Rhode Island residents who replace an existing appliance from an eligible category with a new ENERGY STAR qualified appliance after March 25, 2010 may apply for the rebate. Purchases prior to this date and internet sales are not valid. For more information, please visit www.energy.ri.gov