Focus on Energy is no longer accepting applications for the State Energy Efficient Appliance Rebate Program.
Because of the program’s popularity, federal cash-back rewards on high-efficiency appliances have simply been exhausted. That’s according to Bobbi Fey, Assistant Director of Residential Programs with Focus on Energy. “The about $5.4 million allocated to Wisconsin will have been spent in just over four months.”
Since the program began on January first, Fey estimates that about 45,000 customers have taken advantage of the incentives. Rebates average about 100 bucks a customer, ranging from $25 to $2,000. Fey says new applications will not be accepted, and existing paperwork will be processed on a first-come, first-served basis.
Fey says, beyond the rebate, there are other ways to save some cash. “Focus on Energy will continue to offer incentives on high-efficiency heating and cooling equipment as well as water heaters.”
Fey says, customers can enjoy significant long-term savings by making energy-efficiency improvements, such as upgrading a 10-year-old clothes washer for a $135 a year savings on an energy bill. Applicants are asked to resist the urge to contact Focus on Energy about the status of their rebate.
NOTE: Under the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009, the U.S. Department of Energy provided a total of $300 million to U.S. states to establish rebate programs for new energy-efficient appliances that replace existing appliances. Wisconsin’s share of $5.4 million has run out.
Jackie Johnson report 1:36