Washington Consumers to Get Over $6 Million in Energy Efficiency Rebates

SHORELINE, WA - U.S. Rep Jay Inslee announced that the U.S. Department of Energy has made $6,283,775 available to Washington state for a consumer rebate program to help households upgrade to energy efficient ENERGY STAR appliances. The funding is authorized and appropriated through the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA), also known as the stimulus. Rebates will be distributed through the Washington state energy program.

"These funds will help people change out old, inefficient air conditioners, heat pumps, dishwashers, refrigerators, furnaces and more," said Inslee. "Efficient appliances will complement new windows and insulation made possible through the weatherization funding released last week. Through these programs, ARRA ensures that consumers throughout Washington state will save money on their home heating and cooling bills."

For the energy efficiency rebate programs, DOE will award a total of $296 million to States and Territories, which will be divided up using a statutory formula based on population. Americans, with the help of ENERGY STAR, saved enough energy in 2008 alone to avoid greenhouse gas emissions equivalent to those from 29 million cars — all while saving $19 billion on their utility bills.