South Carolinians who want to replace old household appliances with new energy-efficient models would receive discounts of $50 to $500 this spring under the state’s planned “Energy Efficient Appliance Rebate” program.

The rebates for new Energy Star certified refrigerators, dishwashers, hot water heaters and other appliances are funded by South Carolina’s share of the $300 million in federal stimulus funds being distributed to each state for appliance rebates. A total of $3.9 million will be available in South Carolina for rebates.

For appliances bought in a store, the rebate will be applied instantly when the customer goes to the register. Installers of whole-house equipment such as water heaters and HVAC systems will reserve rebates online and then provide customers with mail-in forms. An electronic system will track each rebate issued.

“This is a great opportunity for South Carolinians to save money at the store and every month when they open their utility bill,” said John Clark, director of the SC Budget and Control Board’s State Energy Office, which is managing South Carolina’s rebate program.  “We expect that interest will be high and that funds could be exhausted in a matter of weeks,”

Rebate levels were determined based upon the cost difference between a standard and an Energy Star appliance. Energy Star qualified appliances incorporate advanced technologies that use 10–50 percent less energy and water than standard models.

The rebates will be available only to South Carolina residents making purchases in South Carolina stores and contractors. The program is expected to launch in March and will continue until all funds are exhausted.

Customers who purchase a new appliance must turn in the old item. Stores and contractors participating in the rebate program must agree to recycle all old appliances in accordance with standard industry practice. Recycling is required to ensure that inefficient appliances are removed from the power grid.

Additional details, including the exact launch date for the program, will be announced in coming months. For regular updates please visit www.energy.sc.gov.

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