February 05, 2010

Retailers Getting Ready for “New York’s Great Appliance Swap Out” Program During President’s Week

Nearly 170,000 New Yorkers to Receive Rebates for Purchasing Energy Efficient Appliances $16.8 Million Rebate Program Runs February 12–21

Retailers across New York State are gearing up to handle extraordinary demand for energy efficient appliances as New York’s Great Appliance Swap Out is scheduled to run from February 12 through February 21. Using federal funds from the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA), New York State is expected to issue nearly 170,000 rebates totaling $16.8 million during President’s Week in February, 2010 to New York State residents who purchase qualified ENERGY STAR appliances during that time period.

Rebates for high–efficiency refrigerators, clothes washers, and freezers will range from $50–$105 for a single unit and up to $555 for the purchase of a three–appliance package of high–efficiency refrigerators, clothes washers, and dishwashers, provided on a first–come, first served basis.

The program requires consumers to replace old appliances, and encourages recycling by offering a larger rebate to consumers who recycle their discarded appliances. The New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA) is administering the program.

Governor David Paterson said: “This program will provide a tremendous incentive for consumers all across New York to reduce their energy consumption while providing an important stimulus to our economy. We thank President Obama and our entire Congressional Delegation for working to make this critical stimulus funding available and for helping us making these important cost– and energy–saving benefits to all New Yorkers.”

Francis J. Murray, president and CEO of NYSERDA, said: “This program offers New Yorkers an unprecedented opportunity to purchase energy efficient appliances that will save them hundreds of dollars a year in energy costs while cutting energy usage significantly. Just as important, is the boost this program offers to the retail sector that also will help us achieve the ambitious energy reduction goals set by Governor David Paterson.”

Guidelines for the program:

• Residents only. Consumers must be New York State residents and the appliance must be installed at a New York State residential address to be eligible for the proposed rebate program.
• Energy Efficiency Requirements. Appliances can be purchased at any retail location and must meet specified ENERGY STAR or Consortium of Energy Efficiency (CEE) standards.
• Qualifications. The program is open only to residents of single–family homes and to residents of multi–family buildings who own the existing appliance that is being replaced.
• Process. After purchasing a qualified appliance, consumers must complete an application form to reserve their rebate. Customers will print their completed form with rebate reservation number and return it with required documentation; those who fill out forms by phone will have an application mailed to them. Before purchasing, consumers can check to see if funding is still available at NY Appliance Swap Out or by calling 1–877– NY–SMART (877–697–6278).
• Finding an application. Applications may be completed online at NY Appliance Swap Out Rebate Status  or by calling toll–free at 1–877–NY–SMART. Once the application is verified as complete, it will be processed and payment will be issued.
• Documentation. Consumers must submit all required documentation with their completed rebate application by March 15, 2010. For rebates: Consumers must attest in writing that the purchased appliances are replacing existing appliances. For recycling bonus: Documentation must be obtained from the retailer or recycler. In NYC, a confirmation number obtained through 311 may be used for refrigerator and freezer recycling documentation.
• Restrictions. 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.
• Recycling. Many appliance retail stores will offer to pick up and recycle your old appliance when you purchase a new one from them. In addition, a list of many local recycling centers and transfer stations that will recycle can be found at: NY Appliance Swap Out. In New York City: The Department of Sanitation will provide pickup of appliances, but can only provide recycling confirmation for refrigerators and freezers. Residents may call 311 for pickups.

Program Specifics How much Can You Receive:

Customers purchasing appliances may receive the following individual rebates:

• Refrigerators: $75 ($105 with documented recycling)
• Clothes washers: $75 ($100 with documented recycling)
• Freezers: $50 ($75 with documented recycling)
• Dishwashers: Rebates are only available for dishwashers when purchased as part of a three appliance package of CEE–rated appliances. This bundled purchase will qualify for a $500 rebate ($550 with documented recycling).

What Are the Energy Efficiency Requirements?

• Individual purchases: Appliances must have the ENERGY STAR® label, meaning that they are up to 30 percent more efficient than standard models on the market.
• Bundled purchases: A larger rebate will be paid to consumers purchasing three appliances that meet CEE standards. This can include a dishwasher, clothes washer, and refrigerator.

Where do you find these appliances?

Appliances may be purchased at any location. NYSERDA works with more than 1,000 of retail partners to help promote the sale of ENERGY STAR Products. A list of these retail partners is attached.

NYSERDA also offers homeowners potential energy savings through “Home Performance with ENERGY STAR®” a program which offers home performance audits and financing for energy efficiency improvements. This program has helped more than 27,000 New Yorkers significantly cut their energy usage. More information about these and other energy–savings programs can be found on NYSERDA’s web site at NYSERDA.ny.gov or from NYSERDA’s consumer hotline at: 877–NY–SMART.

Click here for a list of NYSERDA retail partners Upstate.
Click here for a list of NYSERDA retail partners in New York City.

Contact:

Jeffrey Gordon, NYSERDA
518–862–1090 ext. 3544
jrg@nyserda.ny.gov