North Carolina’s ENERGY STAR Appliance Rebate and Replacement Program got started yesterday and is receiving an overwhelming response from consumers and appliance retailers throughout our state.
With the $8.8 million provided through the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009, North Carolinians have been taking advantage of the 15 percent instant rebates as well as the additional discounts that many stores are offering on ENERGY STAR refrigerators, freezers, clothes washing machines and dishwashers. These new items are replacing older appliances – helping them not only save money on their purchase but save energy while also giving a big boost to the economy. A new ENERGY STAR refrigerator, for example, uses 50 percent less electricity than a similar-sized refrigerator built in 1995.
As of 4:45 p.m. on Friday there was $3.8 million remaining in the program, which will close on Sunday or sooner if the funding is exhausted. About 52 percent of the available funds have been obligated. The money for appliance purchases is being spent at a rate of about $2,000 per minute across North Carolina. Each $1 million in rebates translates into $6.7 million in appliance sales.
The turnout for the program is exceeding the N.C. Energy Office’s expectations and, at the current rate, it is possible the funds will be exhausted sooner than anticipated. Sales are being monitored minute-by-minute across the state.
Most retailers report they have staffed up to better serve their customers in an expeditious and orderly manner. At some stores, customers may expect to wait about an hour to be served. Many stores have provided waiting areas – some with refreshments – to accommodate consumers. It is recommended that people who know the items they want to buy, research ahead of time and come to the store with information about the specific item or items they want to purchase. This will accelerate the rebate process.
Here’s an appliance-by-appliance breakdown of sales reported as of 4:30 p.m. Friday.
Product Category Total
Clothes Washers 8,473
Dishwashers 8,597
Freezers 1,261
Refrigerators 12,226
TOTAL 30,557