Consumers, retailers and the environment all should benefit directly from the Cash for Appliance rebate program now under way in Georgia. The program, underwritten by about $9 million in federal stimulus funds, started Friday. There’s no official end date. The program will expire when the money runs out.
The purpose of the program is both commonsensical and straightforward. It is designed to spur the sale of new, energy-efficient appliances to replace older ones that one appliance retailer characterized as “energy hogs.” His remark has the ring of truth.
The Energy Star-rated appliances covered by the rebate program operate more efficiently and at a lower cost than the old ones. That allows consumers to save money and to make a small contribution toward improving the environment by reducing energy consumption. Moreover, the rebate program should spur sales, a boon for appliance retailers who have reported stagnant sales over the last year or more.
Unlike the earlier federal Cash for Clunkers program, which put the onus of reimbursement on auto dealers,, the Cash for Appliances program will require consumers to apply for the rebate. That should expedite the process of making claims and receiving payment.
The program is being administered by the Georgia Environment Facilities Authority, which expects to eventually issue about 100,000 rebates. The process is not complicated. Consumers who make a qualifying purchase – it has to be made by a Georgia resident at a Georgia store – will request a rebate from www.GeorgiaRebate.com or by calling 1-866-296-1633. If the product qualifies and the required forms and receipts are mailed, the consumer should receive a rebate in the form of a Visa prepaid card loaded with the rebate amount within a month of the purchase.