Quinn Administration Reminds Public to Take Advantage of Final Round of ENERGY STAR® Appliance Rebates

CHICAGO - The Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (DCEO) is reminding citizens that the final phase of the State's ENERGY STAR appliance rebate program happens this Friday, September 24, starting at 8 a.m.

Organizers do not expect that the $3 million in funds to help citizens replace their old, inefficient appliances will last a full day, so shoppers are encouraged to get into stores early. While most rebates will be given out at the counter, retailers are also making them available by phone to people with disabilities. More than 420 retailers are participating in the program statewide. A complete listing can be found at www.IllinoisEnergy.org/appliances.

"We have had an overwhelming response to the Energy Star rebate program from both retailers and consumers and we expect Friday's sale to be just as successful," said DCEO Director Warren Ribley. "This second round of the program, while smaller in scope, will provide a nice boost to existing retail sales and energy savings that were achieved during the first round of the program." 

"Illinois families know that energy efficiency is one of the best ways to protect their bottom lines, and programs like this can give them a big boost," CUB Executive Director David Kolata said. "Energy efficiency isn't about sacrifice. It's about doing the same or more but using less energy. It's saving without sacrifice. The rebate program is a win, win, win situation--for the planet, our pocketbooks, and Illinois' economy."

Consumers upgrading to ENERGY STAR qualified refrigerators, freezers, clothes washers and dishwashers will be given a 15 percent point-of-sale rebate (up to $250 per appliance) at participating stores for as long as funds are available. 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.

Illinois has received a total of $12.4 million through the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act for the 2010 ENERGY STAR rebate program. The first round of the state's 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, in partnership with the Illinois Retail Merchants Association.