Curious About The State Appliance Rebate Program
WBZ
We all remember the "Cash for Clunkers" program in which the federal government gave rebates to new car buyers.
Dolores of Greenfield Declared her Curiosity. She is wondering about the rebate program for appliances which was mentioned nationally last year.
"Is Massachusetts going to do this soon?"
The answer is yes, and the savings will be significant. Here are the discounts included in the program:
- $250 for dishwashers
- $200 for refrigerators
- $175 for clothes washers
- $50 for freezers
"This is a one-time opportunity for Massachusetts consumers to trade in some of their large appliances and get advanced energy efficient appliances. It starts on Earth Day," explained Secretary of Energy and Environmental Affairs Ian Bowles.
Shoppers like the sound of this state program, which is funded through federal stimulus money.
One man looking at new refrigerators said, "I am in my house three years so we are constantly updating, so $200 can go for something else to fix up the house."
Massachusetts residents will save a total of more than $6 million when they buy energy efficient appliances through this program.
Secretary Bowles says that's just the start of the benefits. "You could cut your home energy use 5 percent to 10 percent across the state, and that would have a significant impact on the state's greenhouse gas emissions."
Shoppers who want to participate can register on April 22.
Participation is capped, so this program is on a first-come, first-serve basis.
You must shop at a pre-approved retailer; Internet sales are not allowed. The appliance must meet pre-determined energy efficient standards to be eligible for the rebate.
The state has set up a special Web site which lists all the details of the program: MassSave.com.
Retailers are hoping this will increase business.
Best Buy Cambridge sales associate Ralphy Rosa said, "It will definitely drive traffic. People who weren't thinking about looking are going to look, and people who are looking are going to buy."
State officials estimate about 30,000 new appliances will be purchased under this program.
These new energy efficient appliances will save enough electricity to power 340 households for an entire year.
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