North Carolina’s State Energy Office has filed an application with the U.S. Department of Energy to receive $8.8 million in federal funds to help homeowners purchase energy-efficient appliances such as furnaces, room air conditioners, refrigerators and dishwashers. The program for distribution of the money for ENERGY STAR-rated appliances is being developed by the Energy Office, along with the N.C. Office of Economic Recovery and Investment.
The funds are part of nearly $300 million from the federal American Recovery and Reinvestment Act being distributed nationwide by the U.S. Department of Energy.
Now that the initial application has been filed, the state Energy Office will follow up no later than Oct. 15 with a detailed plan outlining which ENERGY STAR appliances will be included in the rebate program, the rebate level for the products, how the rebates will be processed and a recycling plan for old appliances. As with other state Energy Office initiatives concerning federal recovery plans, proposals will be available for public comment before being submitted.
The Energy Office is developing a program that will work to the greatest benefit of consumers, who also are being offered savings opportunities on home energy improvements through utility companies and other energy providers.
The state and federal government offer tax advantages on the purchase of some major home appliances. North Carolina also offers a sales tax free holiday weekend on the purchase of some ENERGY STAR products. This year, it is scheduled for Friday, Nov. 6, through Sunday, Nov. 8.
For more information on the federal ENERGY STAR rebate program, visit: www.energy.gov/recovery. For more information on North Carolina’s efforts as part of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act, visit the Web site for the N.C. Office of Economic Recovery and Investment at www.ncrecovery.gov.