2 months ago
SACRAMENTO, CA - If "Cash for Clunkers" didn't get you to open up your wallet and start spending, major manufacturers like General Electric, KitchenAid and Whirlpool are hoping a new program that's being called "Cash for Appliances" will.
The program is intended to lure consumers into appliance showrooms with $300 million of rebates for buying new, energy- efficient, Energy star appliances. California's share of the rebate money is $35 million.
The California Energy Commission, which will manage the money when it does come in sometime this December, concedes it's not a lot. And between now and Oct. 15 rules have to be developed on what appliances qualify, what the rebate amounts will be, and who will keep track of who got what.
If everything but the $35 million sounds a bit vague, that's because "Cash for Appliances" still is. There is no national standard. Each state run will run its own cash for appliances program.
California's energy commission says it will consider public suggestions on how to disburse the rebate money. So giving your two cents worth now might pay off in a meaningful rebate on appliances in 2010. In the meantime, there are existing rebates offered by your local utility companies.
by Dana Howard, dhoward@news10.net
News10/KXTV
