Governor David A. Paterson today announced that New York has submitted a plan for federal approval that would provide consumers with rebates for purchasing certain energy-efficient refrigerators, clothes washers, freezers and dishwashers through a program funded by the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA). If New York’s plan is approved by federal government, the Great Appliance Swap Out program will allow the State to issue nearly 170,000 rebates totaling $16.8 million.
Under the proposed plan, which is scheduled to be offered during President’s Week in February, 2010, rebates for high-efficiency appliances will range from $50-$105 for a single unit and up to $555 for the purchase of a three appliance package. The plan must be approved by the Federal Department of Energy (DOE), which is expected to take at least 30 days. In addition, the program encourages recycling by offering a larger rebate to consumers who recycle their discarded appliances.
“New York must continue to build a clean energy economy that will cut our energy costs and reduce our greenhouse gas pollution. This program will provide an important boost to the economy, while encouraging consumers all across New York to buy appliances that reduce energy consumption,” Governor Paterson said. “We thank President Obama and our entire Congressional Delegation for working to make this critical stimulus funding available. Without this federal funding, which will provide much-needed economic stimulus in New York, we would not have pursued this program. We look forward to receiving DOE approval and moving forward in offering these cost- and energy-saving benefits to New Yorkers.”
NYSERDA President and CEO Francis J. Murray, Jr. said: “Consumers can save hundreds of dollars a year by replacing an old appliance with the appliances we’ve included in our rebate program. The program will not only help consumers save money and reduce the environmental impact of older appliances, but will help us meet the Governor’s ambitious goals of improving our environment and decreasing our energy usage in the future.”
James R. Sherin, President and CEO of the Retail Council of New York State, said: “New technologies make new appliances for the home more energy efficient. We applaud Governor Paterson and NYSERDA for mapping out a rebate program that will help put those appliances into the homes of New Yorkers who need and want them and for working with the retail industry to ensure that it’s something we can deliver to the consumer. The rebate makes a great incentive for New Yorkers to make their households greener than ever.”
Under the proposed plan, consumers could receive rebates for purchasing eligible appliances individually or in a bundle. Appliances will qualify only if they have earned the ENERGY STAR® label, meaning that they are up to 30 percent more efficient than standard models on the market. Consumers may receive a larger rebate by purchasing three eligible appliances that meet standards issued by the Consortium of Energy Efficiency (CEE) that are higher than ENERGY STAR standards.
Under the proposed plan, customers purchasing appliances would qualify for a rebate of $75 ($105 with documented recycling) for refrigerators, $75 ($100 with documented recycling) for clothes washers and $50 ($75 with documented recycling) for freezers. Rebates are available for dishwashers when they are purchased as part of a three appliance package, which may qualify for a $500 rebate ($550 with documented recycling).
“Thanks to our collaboration with our retail partner network, there will be many retailers offering free recycling to make it easier for the customer to receive the maximum rebate,” added Murray. “NYSERDA is also coordinating efforts with the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation and New York City Department of Sanitation so consumers can also recycle their appliances at local landfills, waste stations and recycling centers.”
Consumers must be New York State residents to be eligible for the proposed rebate program. Appliances can be purchased at any retail location and must meet specified ENERGY STAR or CEE standards. The program is open only to individuals purchasing appliances for their own use. Adequate documentation of recycling must be included to receive the maximum rebate amount and the rebate cannot be combined with other appliance rebate programs from utilities or municipalities. The rebate can, however, be combined with other manufacturer rebates or retail promotions.
Rebate instructions and forms will be available at www.GetEnergySmart.org , through NYSERDA’s hotline (1-877-NY-SMART), or from a participating retailer. The application and proper documentation must be mailed for processing within 30 days of purchase and applications will be processed on a first-come, first-serve basis until funds are expended. Once the application is verified as complete, it will be processed and payment will be issued.
NYSERDA offers homeowners information on how to reduce their energy costs through its “Home Performance with ENERGY STAR®” program which offers strategies for encouraging comprehensive home energy improvements for existing homes. This program has helped more than 27,000 New Yorkers significantly cut their energy usage.
Additional information, including guidelines for the appliance rebate program and other programs to help homeowners reduce energy costs, can be found on NYSERDA’s web site at www.GetEnergySmart.org or from NYSERDA’s consumer hotline at:1- 877-NY-SMART
About MEDOWS CPA, PLLC: We are a boutique CPA firm located in New York City (Manhattan), dedicated to helping small business owners and individuals. In addition, we also provide CPA services to people outside of the state and country.
Jonathan Medows, CPA
MEDOWS CPA, PLLC
http://www.medowscpa.com
http://taxblog.medowscpa.com
info@medowscpa.com
A Unique, Boutique New York CPA Firm Serving the Needs of Individuals & Small Businesses