Proposal Submitted for the Great Appliance Swap Out

Governor David A. Paterson announced that New York submitted a plan for federal approval that would provide consumers with rebates for purchasing certain energy-efficient refrigerators, clothes washers, freezers and dishwashers through a program funded by the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA).

If New York’s plan is approved by federal government, the Great Appliance Swap Out program will allow the State to issue nearly 170,000 rebates totaling $16.8 million.

“New York must continue to build a clean energy economy that will cut our energy costs and reduce our greenhouse gas pollution. This program will provide an important boost to the economy, while encouraging consumers all across New York to buy appliances that reduce energy consumption,” Governor Paterson said. “We thank President Obama and our entire Congressional Delegation for working to make this critical stimulus funding available. Without this federal funding, which will provide much-needed economic stimulus in New York, we would not have pursued this program. We look forward to receiving DOE approval and moving forward in offering these cost- and energy-saving benefits to New Yorkers.”

NYSERDA President and CEO Francis J. Murray, Jr. said: “Consumers can save hundreds of dollars a year by replacing an old appliance with the appliances we’ve included in our rebate program. The program will not only help consumers save money and reduce the environmental impact of older appliances, but will help us meet the Governor’s ambitious goals of improving our environment and decreasing our energy usage in the future.”

James R. Sherin, President and CEO of the Retail Council of New York State, said: “New technologies make new appliances for the home more energy efficient. We applaud Governor Paterson and NYSERDA for mapping out a rebate program that will help put those appliances into the homes of New Yorkers who need and want them and for working with the retail industry to ensure that it’s something we can deliver to the consumer. The rebate makes a great incentive for New Yorkers to make their households greener than ever.”

Under the proposed plan, consumers could receive rebates for purchasing eligible appliances individually or in a bundle. Appliances will qualify only if they have earned the ENERGY STAR® label, meaning that they are up to 30 percent more efficient than standard models on the market.

Consumers must be New York State residents to be eligible for the proposed rebate program. Appliances can be purchased at any retail location and must meet specified ENERGY STAR or CEE standards. The program is open only to individuals purchasing appliances for their own use. Adequate documentation of recycling must be included to receive the maximum rebate amount and 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.