Press Release: Governor Crist Launches ENERGY STAR Appliance Rebate Web Site

The following news release was issued by Governor Charlie Crist’s office on April 9, 2010:

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

APRIL 9, 2010

CONTACT:  GOVERNOR’S PRESS OFFICE

(850) 488-5394

TALLAHASSEE – Governor Charlie Crist today encouraged Floridians to learn how to receive an ENERGY STAR appliance rebate by visiting www.rebates.com/florida.  Beginning one week from today, the $17.5-million rebate program will provide Florida residents discounts on approximately 68,000 ENERGY STAR appliances purchased from Florida retailers between Friday, April 16, and Sunday, April 25, 2010.  These purchases are expected to pump at least $62 million into Florida’s economy, in addition to at least $4 million in tax revenues. 

“I encourage Floridians considering the purchase of a new appliance to plan to do so beginning April 16 in order to take the first step toward qualifying for a rebate,” Governor Crist said. “Making these purchases this month will benefit consumers, businesses and our entire state economy, as well as increase energy and water savings for years to come.”

Due to the limited amount of available rebate funds, Governor Crist encouraged Florida residents to visit the Web site to learn how to increase the likelihood of reserving and receiving a rebate. Beginning at 11:00 a.m. EDT on Friday, April 16, consumers who purchased qualifying ENERGY STAR appliances can begin reserving rebate funds by obtaining a Priority Number at www.rebates.com/florida. Based on the amount of funds reserved, the Web site will countdown the remaining available rebate funds.

Consumers can receive rebates of up to $1,500 per household.  That amount includes a rebate of 20 percent off the retail price of ENERGY STAR appliances purchased between April 16 and 25 for residential use, as well as $75 toward recycling the old appliance. Consumers may request rebates on multiple appliances; however, only one appliance type per household is eligible. Rebates will be given in the form of an American Express Prepaid Card, which has no fees for monthly servicing or card replacement, and the funds on the card never expire. The prepaid card can be exchanged for a check or an electronic funds transfer.

Administered by the Florida Energy and Climate Commission and the Governor’s Energy Office, the rebate program is made possible by a grant from the federal American Recovery and Reinvestment Act and Florida legislation signed by Governor Crist in 2009.

“On behalf of the Commission, I would like to thank Representatives Joseph Abruzzo and John Tobia, as well as Senators Eleanor Sobel and Carey Baker, for sponsoring the legislation that made this rebate program possible,” said James F. Murley, chair of the Florida Energy and Climate Commission and assistant dean of the Florida Atlantic University College of Architecture, Urban and Public Affairs.  “By making energy-efficient appliances more affordable to Floridians, we encourage consumers to make choices that will positively impact both our economy and our environment.”

How to Qualify for a ENERGY STAR Appliance Rebate

The Florida ENERGY STAR Appliance Rebate Web site – www.rebates.com/florida – contains details about how consumers can qualify for the rebate by taking the following steps:

• First, read all instructions for the Florida ENERGY STAR Appliance Rebate Program.
• Second, purchase a qualifying ENERGY STAR appliance between April 16 and April 25. Consumers can learn more about qualifying products by visiting www.rebates.com/florida or www.energystar.gov.
• Third, reserve a rebate after 11:00 a.m. EDT on Friday, April 16, by obtaining a Priority Number from the Web site, www.rebates.com/florida. While a Priority Number is not required, applications with a Priority Number will be processed first, prior to those without one.
• Fourth, submit a completed application containing your Priority Number, along with all required documentation, as soon as possible. A copy of the original sales receipt must be submitted by mail, along with a completed rebate application form. In order to receive the $75 recycling bonus, consumers will also have to submit proof of recycling, provided by either the retailer or the recycling facility.

Rebate reservations in the form of a Priority Number will be available on a first-come, first served basis, beginning on Friday, April 16, 2010, at 11:00 a.m. EDT; rebate funds cannot be reserved before this time. All applications must be postmarked on or before Monday, May 10, 2010; however, because rebates will be distributed on a first-come, first served basis, the first applications to be processed will be more likely to receive rebates.

About Florida’s Appliance Retailers

Retailers must provide a sales receipt that includes the retailer’s name and address, purchase date, and product information that includes the type of appliance, model number and price. The Governor’s Energy Office has worked closely with the Florida Retail Federation to ensure that retailers are aware of program details and qualifications.  The organization indicates that some retailers may be considering offering sales and extended business hours in order to give consumers more opportunities to extend their savings.

“The Florida Retail Federation and its members are very excited to be part of the Energy Star Rebate Program,” said Rick McAllister, president and CEO of the organization.  “This program is a winning situation for everyone involved.  It will bring savings to citizens, a boost to businesses and make Florida a more energy-efficient state.”

The ENERGY STAR Appliance Rebate Program builds on Governor Crist’s past energy and climate change initiatives. In 2007, Governor Crist signed three executive orders to reduce Florida’s greenhouse gas emissions, increase energy efficiency, and remove market barriers for renewable energy technologies such as solar and wind energy. The next year, he signed 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. Among its requirements, the comprehensive, bipartisan legislation created a renewable fuel standard and the Florida Energy and Climate Commission as 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.

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