February 19, 2010

Last Scheduled Weekend of “Great Appliance Swap Out” Expected to be Busy for New York Retailers

$10.7 Million Remaining in Rebates for Purchasing High Efficiency Appliances

Retailers are expecting a big push this weekend for the final scheduled days of New York’s Great Appliance Swap Out, which has provided more than 45,000 consumers with rebates as high as $555 for purchasing high efficiency appliances over the past week.

As of 3:30 p.m., Friday, February 19, $10.7 million remained to be claimed through this Sunday, February 21, in this first-come, first-served program, according to www.NYApplianceSwapOut.com, which features a real-time counter of available funds.

If funds are still remaining at the end of this weekend, NYSERDA officials will make an announcement Sunday about whether the rebate program will be extended past this weekend or will be scheduled for a new time period in the future.  New York was originally provided $16.8 million from the federal government for this program and all of the funding will be allocated to consumers before the end of the year. 

“Last weekend brought record sales for many retailers, and this weekend could be even bigger as retailers continue to offer tremendous deals for New Yorkers purchasing energy efficient appliances that will help cut their energy costs,” said Francis J. Murray, president and CEO of NYSERDA.  “We urge consumers to be sure to take advantage of this opportunity to both save money and help our environment.”

The program requires consumers to replace old appliances, and encourages recycling by offering a larger rebate to consumers who recycle their discarded appliances. Funds are reserved for consumers who have purchased qualified appliances after they have submitted an application either online at www.NYApplianceSwapOut.com  or through the toll-free hotline, 1-877- NY-SMART (877-697-6278). However, funds are not paid until after consumers mail in documentation of proof of purchase and, if applicable, recycling.

Once people enter their information online and receive an application number, the information is captured and the rebate is reserved. A confirmation and an application will be sent either by email or through the postal service.

Guidelines for the program can be found at www.NYApplianceSwapOut.com 

Contact:
Jeffrey Gordon, NYSERDA
518-862-1090 ext. 3544
jrg@nyserda.ny.gov