May 19, 2010

New York’s Great Appliance Swap Out In the Home Stretch!

May 19, 2010

Less than $1 million Remains in Program to Provide Rebates for Purchasing Energy Efficient Appliances

If you’re in the market to purchase a new appliance, time may be running out for the chance to receive a rebate for buying a high-efficiency model that will save money by using less energy. 

As of Wednesday, $720,745 remained out of $16.8 million originally allocated to provide New Yorkers with rebates for replacing old, inefficient appliances with new, energy-efficient models through New York’s Great Appliance Swap Out. Since February, the program has provided rebates as high as $555 to more than 150,000 New Yorkers for purchasing high efficiency refrigerators, freezers, clothes washers and dishwashers with funds from the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA).

Funds are tracked on www.NYApplianceSwapOut.com, which features a real-time counter of available funds.  Buyers are advised to check the website before purchasing their appliance to ensure funding still remains.  Rebates are offered only until funding runs out.  By June 30, applicants must mail their completed applications with all purchase receipts and recycling receipts (if applicable).

“While New Yorkers can still receive rebates for appliances that will reduce their energy costs and protect the environment, we’re reaching the home stretch,” said Francis J. Murray, president and CEO of the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA), which is administering the program.   “We urge anyone who has been thinking about replacing an old appliance to act sooner rather than later if they want to take advantage of a limited-time opportunity to save money.

“New York’s Great Appliance Swap Out has been an extremely successful program that is not only reducing energy consumption in the State, but has also been providing a needed boost to the economy,” Murray said.

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.

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

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