Rebates snapped up by consumers

Alabama consumers have snapped up the entire $4.2 million available for appliance rebates less than three weeks after the program started.
The Alabama Energy Efficient Appliance Rebate program reserved the final rebate Thursday of last week, reports the Alabama Department of Economic and Community Affairs.
“The appliance rebate program has been a great success for Alabama consumers and merchants,” ADECA Director Doni Ingram said. “Thousands of Alabamians are getting money back for replacing energy-hogging appliances while Alabama appliance retailers are reporting a boost in sales.”
Rebates for Energy Star refrigerators were the most popular followed by clothes washers, dishwashers, freezers and room air conditioners.
Though all the funds have been reserved, a state resident who is replacing an old appliance with an Energy Star model can still get on the rebate program’s waiting list by going to www.alrebates.com or by calling 877-856-6645. Additional funds may become available if earlier rebate applications are deemed ineligible or if applicants fail to mail in the required documents within 15 days. Applications on the waiting list will be processed in the order they are received as unclaimed funds become available.
“A rebate is not guaranteed for those on the waiting list, but consumers can be assured that if they buy an Energy Star appliance they will save money through lower utility bills,” Ingram said. “Energy Star appliances are highly efficient, saving hundreds of dollars in energy costs during the life of the appliance.”
ADECA is administering the rebate program from funds made available by the U.S. Department of Energy as part of the American Reinvestment and Recovery Act.