Assemblymember Kevin Cahill (D- Ulster, Dutchess), Chair of the Assembly Energy Committee, has announced that New York consumers are set to receive rebates for purchasing certain energy-efficient refrigerators, clothes washers, freezers and dishwashers. New York’s Great Appliance Swap Out (www.NYApplianceSwapOut.com) offers rebates for high-efficiency appliances ranging from $50-$105 for a single unit and up to $555 for the purchase of a three-appliance package. The swap also encourages recycling by offering a larger rebate to consumers who recycle their discarded appliances.

"The appliance rebate program provides yet another means for New York continue to lead the nation in encouraging energy efficient homes by taking advantage of an important source of federal funds," said Assemblyman Cahill. "By offering incentives to recycle old, inefficient appliances we will help households cut costs while also reducing energy consumption and carbon pollution."

The program, which was recently approved by the US Department of Energy, enables New York to issue more than 170,000 rebates totaling $16.8 million during President’s Week in February, 2010. New York’s Great Appliance Swap Out will be administered by the New York Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA) with funds provided by the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA).

"I encourage New Yorkers to take advantage of the rebate program It is a win-win for consumers because it will reduce the cost of big ticket energy efficient appliances and help households lower utility bills for years to come," the Assemblyman said.

Under the plan, consumers could receive rebates for purchasing eligible appliances individually or in a bundle. For an individual purchase, 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. For a bundled purchase, consumers may receive a larger rebate by buying three eligible appliances that meet standards issued by the Consortium of Energy Efficiency (CEE) that are higher than ENERGY STAR standards. CEE Tier dishwashers, clothes washers, and refrigerators qualify for a bundled rebate.

Customers purchasing appliances may receive the following individual rebates:

• Refrigerators: $75 ($105 with documented recycling)
• Clothes washers: $75 ($100 with documented recycling)
• Freezers: $50 ($75 with documented recycling)
• Dishwashers: Rebates are only available for dishwashers when they are purchased as part of a three-appliance package of CEE-rated appliances. These will qualify for a $500 rebate ($550 with documented recycling).

Many retailers are expected to offer free recycling to make it easier for the customer to receive the maximum rebate. Consumers can also turn in their appliances at local landfills, waste stations and recycling centers.

Guidelines for the program:

• 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.
• To qualify for the rebates, consumers must attest in writing that the purchased appliances are replacing existing appliances.
• 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.

Rebate forms and instructions will be available soon at www.NYApplianceSwapOut.com or through NYSERDA’s hotline (1-877-NY-SMART). NYSERDA offers homeowners information on how to reduce their energy costs through its "Home Performance with ENERGY STAR®" program, which includes strategies for encouraging comprehensive home energy improvements for existing homes. This program has helped more than 27,000 New Yorkers significantly cut their energy usage.