New Refrigerators for People With Old Energy Suckers in Detrot and Some Other Places

Thanks to Julie's List we find this gem: the nonprofit CLEARcorp in Detroit is making it possible for DTE electrical customers within the income guidelines who have pre-2001 fridges to get new energy-efficient Frigidaire refrigerators.  See the website for details and an application. And how do you know if your fridge is that old? See the website appliance411.com to learn how to find the age of your refrigerator. Also available for a short time in Washtenaw County, Michigan.

Users of Puget Sound Energy may qualify for a free fridge or a free washer, if their current appliances are old enough. See their website for details. Pacify Gas and Electric make a brief mention on their website, bit I can't determine if this program is currently available thought them for their customers. These programs may be in place, and then fade when the sponsor runs out of grant money or appliances.

The best way to find out what's available in your area is through these liheap program snapshots in your state. It can help you identify likely sources of he to contact.

Not Till March

The new energy conservation appliance rebate program will commence in Ohio in March.

State Appliance Rebates are Showing Up. Just Hold Your Horses...

The "Cash-for-Appliance Clunkers" is making its debut, little by little. The reason is that the program is not administered by the federal government, but by state governments, who had to submit their plans to the federal Department of Energy for approval. But, one by one, those plans are being approved and implemented. The Consumer Reports blog has some good q and a information about what is covered, and what isn't. Furthermore, there is a link to a federal site that answers more questions (such as types of appliances covered), which in turn has another link to a state-by-state rundown of how much a state will receive, the approximate date of rollout, and numbers to call for more information.

For Ohioans, the expected rollout date is February 2010, and no phone number is listed yet. But there is a state Department of Development website with more information.

Don't Wait--Get an Appliance Rebate Now

Everyone is awaiting the appliance version of the cash-for-clunkers rebate program wthat is due to start soon. The trouble is, it's a plan that is funded, but not administered by the feds. It's administered by the states, and so we will have to wait patiently for our states to get their act together and come up with some ground rules before it takes place.

But there's something you can take advantage of right now. Energy Star's partners sometimes offer rebates, sales tax exemptions or credits on products like furnaces, air conditioners, office equipment, etc. And there's a way to check and see if it's happening near you. Go to the rebate locator website, enter your zip code, and check the boxes next to energy-saving appliances. It will tell you if a rebate or other deal is happening in your area. For instance, I found out that if I were in the market, KitchenAid is having a deal for those who purchase at least 2 of their Energy Star products, (dishwashers, refrigerators, freezers, $100 on a prepaid card, more if you are busying more products.). While this is only a deal for people buying more than 1 product, it might still be worthwhile. Check it out if you are in the appliance market.