NY offers $3.5M in rebates for 'green' appliances

Thousands of state residents would receive rebates for purchasing energy-efficient refrigerators and clothes washers under a state initiative set to begin Monday.

Gov. Andrew M. Cuomo announced Monday the latest installment of the Buy Green, Save Green NYS High-Efficiency Appliance Rebate Program. It seeks to distribute $3.5 million from the federal Energy Department.

Rebates on Energy Star-rated refrigerators and clothes washers will be $350 and $250 respectively. The appliances must meet industry standards called Consortium for Energy Efficiency super levels, known as Tiers 2 and 3, officials said.

A list of appliances that are eligible can be found at NYSApplianceRebates.com, where applications also may be made for the money back. Some Energy Star appliances are not covered. More information is available by calling 877-697-6278.

Cuomo said, "This rebate program gives residents the funding to make their homes more energy-efficient . . . and it provides a needed boost to retailers."

The program will again be administered by the state Energy Research and Development Authority. Its chief executive, Francis J. Murray Jr., said $3 million in rebate funds were exhausted in a few days last fall. "We encourage those who are interested in this program to act quickly," he said.

Rebates are awarded on a first-come, first-served basis. Appliance purchases made before Monday aren't eligible.

Authority spokeswoman Dayle Zatlin said about 10,000 consumers are expected to benefit from the program's latest installment.