Governor Quinn Launches Final Phase of Illinois’ ENERGY STAR Appliance Rebate Program

Program has Pumped More Than $30 Million into State Economy

CHICAGO, IL – April 16, 2010 – (RealEstateRama) — Governor Pat Quinn today launched the final phase of Illinois’ ENERGY STAR Appliance Rebate Program and encouraged residents to take advantage of a 15 percent rebate on energy efficient home appliances during Earth Week.

“Earth Week is the perfect time to commit to living a green lifestyle,” said Governor Quinn. “Through the Energy Star Appliance Rebate program we can boost our economy while helping Illinois families purchase energy-efficient appliances.”

Through the program, a 15 percent instant rebate (up to $400) is available on ENERGY STAR qualified refrigerators, freezers, clothes washers, dishwashers and room air conditioners purchased at any of the over 600 participating retail stores. The program is designed to help Illinoisans reduce their energy consumption and provide a boost to local economies.

Appliance rebates are available at participating retailers each day from 8 a.m. – 9 p.m. April 16 – 25 as long as funds are available. To help ensure that everyone has a chance to take part in this historic opportunity, retailers are making the rebates available by phone to persons with disabilities.

“The first phase of this program was a resounding success by both saving Illinoisans money and putting Illinois labor to work installing heating, air conditioning and water heater systems,” said Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (DCEO) Director Warren Ribley. “This second phase continues our efforts to boost Illinois’ economy while helping working families and improving our environment.”

Illinois received a total of $12.4 million through the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act to implement both phases of the program and has designated just over $6 million in rebates for the appliance portion of the program. The first phase, which offered rebates on water heaters and heating and cooling equipment, is no longer available. Since the start of the rebate program on January 31, water heater and HVAC sales have pumped more than $30 million into the Illinois economy.

The Illinois ENERGY STAR Appliance Rebate Program is being managed by the Midwest Energy Efficiency Alliance on behalf of DCEO. The state also partnered with the Illinois Retail Merchants Association (IRMA) to enroll and coordinate the retailers in the program.

“Retailers, large and small were anxious to provide savings to their customers. They have been preparing, adding additional staff and promoting this Consumer benefit program. While most state’s require customers to go to the State for reimbursement, Illinois, the consumer friendly State, opted to give the funds up front at point of sale,” said Illinois Retail Merchants Association President and CEO David F. Vite.

For more information on the Illinois ENERGY STAR Appliance Rebate Program, including a list of participating retailers, visit www.illinoisenergy.org/appliances.

• Illinois has a total of $6.2 million in rebates for ENERGY STAR qualified refrigerators, freezers, dishwashers, clothes washers and room air conditioners, thanks to the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act.
• More than 600 retailers statewide are gearing up for an expected increase in sales.
• The program will run from 8 a.m. – 9 p.m. starting April 16 until funds are depleted.
• A complete overview of the program is available at www.illinoisenergy.org/appliances.
• Only in-store sales qualify. Phone and internet sales are not eligible. However, consumers with disabilities should call their local participating retailer to take advantage of the program tomorrow.
• The ENERGY STAR heating and cooling equipment phase recently ended after customers took advantage of $2.8 million in rebates, generating over $30 million in sales.
• The ENERGY STAR water heater phase closed February 21 and generated $2.4 million in sales, while providing consumers with $600,000 in rebates.
• In order to ensure the state can keep a close eye on the funds being spent, participating retailers will report their sales data daily and the State will estimate the remaining dollars and time left in the program. Regular email communications will be delivered to the retailers to keep them informed of projected time remaining. As funds near depletion, retailers will be notified so they will know in advance that the program is winding down and when the last hour of the program will occur. The state will work closely with statewide media outlets to alert consumers of the shutdown.
• Retailers must submit invoices in order to be reimbursed for rebate distribution, which will be paid within 30 days of receipt. Invoices will be accepted in two phases: The first phase will begin on Tuesday, May 11, 2010 for all appliances delivered by close of business May 10, 2010. The second phase will begin on Tuesday, June 1, 2010, for all appliances delivered by close of business Friday, May 28, 2010.
• The program is administered by the State Energy Office at the Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity in partnership with the Midwest Energy Efficiency Alliance (MEEA) and the Illinois Retail Merchants Association (IRMA).