Additional $3 Million Available on Sept. 24 to Save Consumers Money on Energy Efficient Replacement Appliances

CHICAGO - September 19, 2010. Governor Pat Quinn today encouraged residents across Illinois to save money and go green by taking advantage of $3 million in rebates available on Sept. 24 for the ENERGY STAR Replacement Appliance Rebate Program. The program builds on last spring's popular appliance rebate sale and is designed to help Illinoisans reduce their energy consumption while boosting the state's economy.

"This is another great chance to take advantage of a program that boosts business throughout Illinois and helps our environment by reducing energy consumption," said Governor Quinn. "Now is the time to go out and replace your aging and inefficient appliances such as refrigerators, freezers, clothes washers and dishwashers."

At 8 a.m. on Friday, Sept. 24, consumers upgrading to more energy-efficient appliances will be able to take advantage of a 15 percent point-of-sale rebate (up to $250 per appliance) at participating retail stores for as long as funds are available. The rebate may be used on ENERGY STAR qualified refrigerators, freezers, clothes washers and dishwashers purchased at participating retail stores. The rebates are intended for consumers replacing an old unit; customers must certify that they are purchasing a replacement appliance at the time of purchase.

There are approximately $3 million in appliance rebate funds available for the final round of the program. Based on the success of the first appliance rebate offer, organizers expect funds to run out the same day (Sept. 24). While most rebates will be given out at the counter, retailers are also making them available by phone to people with disabilities.

"The first round of the ENERGY STAR rebate program helped people save money on nearly 47,000 energy-efficient water heaters, HVAC systems and appliances," said Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (DCEO) Director Warren Ribley. "Our goal is to encourage more people to get rid of old, inefficient appliances and replace them with more efficient models that will lower energy bills and reduce the state's environmental footprint."

Illinois has received a total of $12.4 million through the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act for the ENERGY STAR rebate program. The first round of the program distributed $9.4 million in rebates, which generated more than $75 million in sales and 1.3 trillion BTUs in lifetime energy savings - the equivalent of taking 1,712 passenger vehicles off the road for one year.

The Illinois ENERGY STAR Appliance Rebate Program is being managed by the Midwest Energy Efficiency Alliance on behalf of DCEO. The state also partnered with the Illinois Retail Merchants Association to enroll and coordinate the retailers in the program. More than 420 retailers are participating in the program. For more information, including a list of participating retailers, visit www.IllinoisEnergy.org/appliances

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