Governor Crist Promotes Energy-efficient Appliance Rebate Program
Aug 6, 2009
~ Tours Tallahassee-based Danfoss Turbocor, developer of energy-efficient refrigerant compressor ~
TALLAHASSEE – Governor Charlie Crist today, continuing his commitment to increasing energy efficiency and reducing greenhouse gas emissions, promoted the recently announced Energy-efficient Appliance Rebate Program during a visit to Danfoss Turbocor in Tallahassee. The program, supported by $17.5 million from the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009, will help Floridians lower utility costs and make their homes more energy-efficient.
“Floridians and businesses who invest in green technologies and energy efficient appliances are strengthening our economy, increasing our energy independence and reducing greenhouse gas emissions,” said Governor Crist. “I am firmly committed to ensuring a clean, diverse and secure energy future for our state.”
Earlier this year, Governor Crist signed legislation enabling the Florida Energy and Climate Commission (FECC) to develop and manage the Energy-efficient Appliance Rebate Program, a consumer rebate program for residential energy-efficient appliances. The FECC will adopt guidelines, consistent with federal regulations, designating eligible appliances, rebate amounts and the process for issuing rebates.
Florida will receive at $17.5 million in federal funds to implement the rebate program. The Florida Legislature also allocated appropriated $150,000 for Fiscal Year 2009-10 to the FECC for the purpose of administering the rebate program.
Assuming average rebates of 20 percent, based on median consumer costs, Floridians can expect to save the following amounts on energy-efficient appliances:
- $290 on refrigerators.
- $200 on clothes washers.
- $200 on freezers.
- $200 on dishwashers.
- $65 on room air conditioners.
- $40 on humidifiers.
Governor Crist’s visit to Danfoss Turbocor included a tour of the company’s 65,000 square foot, stage-one manufacturing plant. Following the tour, Governor Crist emphasized Florida’s commitment to continuing the research and development of energy-efficient technology. He also applauded Danfoss Turbocor’s success designing and installing the first completely oil-free compressors, specifically designed for the heating, ventilation, air-conditioning and refrigeration industry. According to Danfoss Turbocor, the company’s currently installed base of compressors are reducing carbon emissions by more than 4.4 million tons per year, equivalent to removing approximately 600,000 passenger cars from roadways.
“Governor Crist has created a statewide energy and economic development agenda for clean and renewable energy that leads the nation,” noted Ricardo Schneider, president and CEO of Danfoss Turbocor. “Danfoss Turbocor looks forward to being part of the solution by working to help the HVAC industry become more energy efficient and environmentally sustainable.”
Danfoss Turbocor is scheduled to receive up to $1.05 million from the state’s Qualified Target Industry (QTI) Tax Refund Program and $650,000 from the Quick Action Closing Fund in anticipation of creating an additional 150 jobs by December 31, 2009. Recent capital investments have netted $12 million in the local economy. Danfoss Turbocor currently employs more than 175 people with an estimated annual payroll approaching $10 million.
Energy Efficient Appliance Rebate Program Rule Development Workshop
The staff of the Florida Energy & Climate Commission will hold a Rule Development Workshop on Monday, August 10, 2009, from 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. in the Toni Jennings Room, Senate Building 110 to hear public comments on the proposed administrative rules relating to the State Energy Efficient Appliance Rebate Program. Written comments, recommendations, or questions regarding the rules to staff can be sent through Monday, August 24, 2009, to:
Florida Energy & Climate Commission
600 South Calhoun St., Suite 251
Tallahassee, FL 32399-0001
Attention: Brittany Cummins
Or email energy@eog.myflorida.com
About Florida’s Energy and Climate Change Initiatives
During the past three years, Florida has provided more than $67.5 million in grant funding to encourage investment in the state, as well as promote and enhance the use of alternative and renewable energy technologies. In addition to $15 million awarded in 2008-09, the state awarded $37.5 million in grant funding in 2007-08, including $25 million through the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services’ Farm to Fuel program. In 2006-07, $15 million in funding was awarded to eight organizations.
Designed to help stimulate development of energy technologies, the grants further Governor Crist’s commitment to diversify the state’s energy sources, spur economic growth and promote energy conservation and efficiency. Florida is currently taking on a leadership role, injecting capital into Florida’s clean energy economy and creating “green collar jobs” with the help of funding provided by the federal American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA). Last year, the Governor signed House Bill 7135, the 2008 Energy and Economic Development Legislation, aimed at reducing greenhouse gas emissions, increasing energy efficiency and encouraging investment in alternative and renewable energy technologies. This comprehensive legislation created the Florida Energy & Climate Commission, a central office for state energy and climate change programs and policies. For more information on Florida’s energy and climate change initiatives, please visit www.MyFloridaClimate.com.
About Danfoss Turbocor
The mission of Danfoss Turbocor is to redefine lifetime operating costs for commercial HVACR (Heating, Ventilation, Air-Conditioning and Refrigeration) applications. The enterprise is dedicated to the design, manufacture, marketing and support of efficient commercial refrigerant compressors. The Danfoss Turbocor plant in Tallahassee is designed for machining, sub-assembly, quality assurance and final assembly operations, including run testing prior to shipment.
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