"We're doing everything we can to help Illinois residents make it through these tough economic times," said Governor Quinn. "The appliance rebate program is a good way to help consumers be more economical and environmentally responsible while also boosting Illinois' 'green job' creation."
The Illinois ENERGY STAR Appliance Rebate Program will provide consumers with a point-of-sale rebate on ENERGY STAR qualified refrigerators, freezers, clothes washers, dishwashers, room air conditioners, and water heaters, as well as highly efficient heating and air conditioning systems.
Rebates on water heaters and heating and cooling equipment will be available beginning January 31. A 25 percent point-of-sale rebate will be available to purchasers of ENERGY STAR water heaters from participating retailers. HVAC customers will receive an instant rebate from participating contractors that are listed on the ComEd, AmerenIU, or Participating Energy Efficiency Contractor (PEEC) Network.
The second phase of the program, which will run from April 16 - 25, provides a flat 15 percent rebate to consumers who purchase energy efficient appliances at participating retail stores. Consumers who turn in their old appliances for recycling will also be eligible for an additional mail-in rebate of $50-$100.
"The average home spends about $2,200 a year on energy bills," said Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (DCEO) Director Warren Ribley. "By making small changes and incorporating more energy efficient practices in our daily routine, we can reduce the cost of our energy bills and reduce our impact on the environment. The appliance rebate program provides a three-fold benefit by also providing a much-needed boost to the economy."
The Illinois ENERGY STAR Appliance Rebate Program will be managed by the Midwest Energy Efficiency Alliance (MEEA) on behalf of DCEO. The state is also partnering with the Illinois Retail Merchants Association (IRMA) to enroll retailers in the program. Retailers interested in participating in the program can visit IRMA's website at www.HelpGreenIllinois.org.
For complete program guidelines and information, visit www.illinoisenergy.org or call 877-782-7005.
