Texans Can Trade Up Appliances with Rebates
Written by Post Public Information Representative, Apr 5, 2010, 0 Comments
By Congressman Henry Cuellar (TX-28)
It’s time to trade up your home appliances and take advantage of the Texas Trade Up Alliance Rebate Program. Beginning April 7th, Texans can apply online and over the phone for $23 million worth of energy-efficient appliance rebates.
Rebates vary from $45-$1,600 for refrigerators, freezers, air conditioners, dishwashers, water heaters and other typical home appliances. Rebates will help Texans replace old, but functional, appliances with new ENERGY STAR or CEE (Consortium for Energy Efficiency) qualified appliances.
The idea is to help Texans invest in more cost-saving appliances to save them cash on monthly electric bills in the future. It’s a smart boost for consumers and a local state stimulus as appliances will have to be purchased within Texas.
Similar to the popular “Cash for Clunkers” program, Texas Trade Up is a first of its kind in Texas. The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act passed by Congress in 2009, made over $300 million available to the Department of Energy to create similar rebate programs across all states.
The Texas State Energy Conservation Office (SECO) will oversee the state-run program helping thousands of families trade up less-efficient appliances for newer energy-saving appliances between April 16-25. Again, you can reserve your rebates starting April 7th at 7 a.m. CT by visiting www.texaspowerfulsmart.org or by calling toll-free 1-(877) 780-3039.
Consumers can receive rebates of up to $1,000 towards the purchase of an energy-efficient central air conditioning unit, plus an additional $75 for choosing to recycle their old one. Other rebates include up to $215 for qualifying dishwashers and up to $255 for clothes washers and freezers.
Rebate checks will be distributed through the mail and SECO is urging all Texans to move fast beginning April 7th to reserve their rebates as funds are limited.
This common-sense program will help thousands of families, consumers and homeowners make cost-saving investments in their homes in these tough economic times. And by investing in energy-efficient appliances, this program will help Texans save on their electric and water bills now and into the future.
