John and Beth Robinson have a refrigerator that needs replacing,
and the same is true of their aging washer. But, when they heard
about the upcoming rebate program, they decided to put off the
purchases until at least mid-April.
“We knew we had to replace the two appliances and were about to
go out and look into making the purchases a couple weeks ago,” John
said. “Then I read about the planned rebate program about to start
so we decided to wait it out.”
The Englewood resident was talking about the announcement from
the Governor’s Energy Office about preparations to launch a
state-wide rebate program designed to encourage energy efficiency
on April 19.
Todd Hartman of the Governor’s Energy Office said the rebates
will use about $22 million in federal stimulus money and
expectations are for those dollars to provide about 75,000 rebates.
He added that no state general fund dollars will be used for the
program.
Under the proposed guidelines for the program, residents can
receive rebates for purchasing energy-efficient appliances such as
dishwashers, dryers, refrigerators, furnaces and hot water heaters.
About a third of the rebates will be provided for purchase of
Energy Star appliances.
There are also potential rebates for taking steps to make the
home more energy efficient such as improving insulation, arranging
for a home energy audit or putting in more energy-efficient windows
and doors.
Another area eligible for rebates include installation of solar
photovoltaic or hot water systems and small wind generators.
Hartman said talk about the rebates has created significant
public interest in the program.
“Judging from the e-mails and the phone calls we have received
from residents and from business, there is a lot of interest in the
rebates,” Hartman said. “The inquiries have been about the
appliance program as well as the renewal energy and the energy
efficiency rebate programs.”
Quite a bit of information about the rebate program is posted on
the Governor’s Energy Office Web site at www.colorado.gov/energy.
Hartman noted the office plans to launch a new and comprehensive
Web site as it begins the rebate program on April 19.
The Web address has not been released yet for the new site but
the notice of its creation said it will offer complete and
localized information about the rebates, financial incentives and
service providers.
The site also will have tips on energy conservation and tips to
save money on energy costs.
