June 11, 2010

As Great Appliance Swap Out Winds Down, Waiting List Will Ensure New York Allocates All Available Funds for Rebates

After reserving nearly $17 million in rebates for more than 180,000 New Yorkers, the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA) today announced it will begin developing a waiting list to ensure that all available funds will be used to benefit New Yorkers through the Great Appliance Swap Out, the federally-funded energy-efficient appliance rebate program.

“With the funds almost completely spoken for, we’re taking every step needed to ensure that New Yorkers receive every penny that the federal government provided to create more energy efficient homes in New York State,” said Francis J. Murray, president and CEO of NYSERDA.

NYSERDA will continue to process complete and valid applications on a first-come, first-served basis as long as funds are available.  Funding is reserved when individuals submit an application, and rebates are paid after required documentation is provided.  Individuals must complete rebate applications and submit all required documentation by July 31, 2010 to receive rebate funding that has been reserved for them.  When applicants fail to submit required documentation to complete applications within the required timeframe, funds are added back into the program and will be allocated to individuals on the waiting list. After July 31, rebate applications will only be processed for individuals from the waiting list. 

“This program has been an extraordinary success that has helped put energy efficient appliances into more than 180,000 households across New York State while providing a much-needed boost to our economy.  We are grateful to President Obama and our entire New York Congressional delegation for helping to secure funds that have provided such important benefits to New York,” Murray said. 

Since February, the program has been providing rebates as high as $555 for purchasing high efficiency refrigerators, freezers, clothes washers and dishwashers with funds from the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA).

The program has required consumers to replace old appliances, and has encouraged 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.

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