LARA - DELEG Launches the Michigan Appliance Trade Up Program Offers rebates for newly purchased energy efficient appliances

DELEG Launches the Michigan Appliance Trade Up Program Offers rebates for newly purchased energy efficient appliances

Contact: Mario L. Morrow 517-373-9280

Agency: Licensing and Regulatory Affairs

February 10, 2010 - The Michigan Department of Energy, Labor & Economic Growth (DELEG) today launched the Michigan Energy Efficient Appliance Rebate Program (MEEARP) which offers financial incentives for consumers to update their appliances with new models that exceed ENERGY STAR standards.

MEEARP - also known as the Michigan Appliance Trade Up program -- was created to spur economic growth, save energy, and reduce greenhouse gas emissions by encouraging Michigan residents to replace older appliances through consumer rebates. The program, funded by the American Recovery and reinvestment Act of 2009 (Recovery Act) is designed to push the market for energy efficient products by providing rebates for appliances that exceed the ENERGY STAR standards, and are not covered by existing utility-run programs

"As the Governor mentioned in her 2010 State of the State address, the goal of the program is to provide rebates for energy-efficient appliances not covered by existing programs," said DELEG Director and Chief Energy Officer Stanley "Skip" Pruss. "The rebates will also help citizens in rural areas not served by utility natural gas programs."

Several Michigan companies manufacture many of the products included in the program, which will in turn create jobs in retailing and manufacturing.

"Whirlpool Corporation greatly appreciates the efforts of the state of Michigan in developing this consumer-focused rebate program," stated J.B. Hoyt, Director of Regulatory Affairs and State Government Relations for Whirlpool Corporation. "We believe that this program will increase consumer awareness of energy and water efficient products, helping them to reduce their utility bills for many years to come."

Products included in the program are CEE Tier 3 clothes washers and refrigerators, CEE Tier 2 dishwashers, and Energy Star refrigerators, oil furnaces, propane furnaces (AFUE 95%), propane water heaters (storage EF>.67, tankless EF>.82), and solar water heaters.

Only Michigan residents are eligible to participate in the appliance rebate program, and must be replacing an old appliance to qualify. Residential customers must self-certify the proper disposal of the old product. While recycling is not required it is strongly encouraged.

The Program is not retroactive, and products purchased before the February 10, 2010, start date are not eligible for the program. If you've purchased an energy efficient product before the eligible start date please go to www.dsireusa.org for a comprehensive list of energy efficiency rebates and incentives for the State of Michigan.

For more information on the Michigan Appliance Trade Up Program go to www.MIrebates.com (refrigerators, clothes washers, & dishwashers) or www.michrebate.com(furnaces & water heaters). Customers without internet access or who prefer telephonic communication can call 1-866-621-8782 (refrigerators, clothes washers, & dishwashers) or 1-888-642-4674 (furnaces & water heaters). Michigan retailers are encouraged to contact our toll free helpline at 1-866-949-6425.

For more information about LARA, please visit www.michigan.gov/lara

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