Rebates available for updating to energy-efficient appliances

These incentives are open to members with service in Illinois

Illinois residents have the opportunity to earn rebates for purchasing energy-efficient appliances—everything from furnaces to refrigerators—to replace older, inefficient models.

The Illinois ENERGY STAR Appliance Rebate Program is funded by the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act, commonly known as the federal stimulus bill, and the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity. The program is being rolled out in two phases.

The first phase, which started Jan. 31, offers rebates on qualifying heating and cooling equipment and water heaters at participating contractors and retailers. The program will continue as long as funding lasts.
Consumers can receive rebates of $350 on a gas furnace, $500 on central air conditioning, $1,000 of air source heat pumps, and $1,200 on gas boilers. A 25 percent markdown is offered on qualifying water heaters.

The second phase runs from April 16–25 and includes point-of-purchase rebates on qualifying refrigerators, freezers, clothes washers, dishwashers, and room air conditioners from participating retailers. This phase is timed to coincide with Earth Day on April 22.

These appliances will qualify for a 15 percent markdown, and consumers will be eligible for a mail-in rebate of $50 to $100 when the old appliance is recycled.

Click here for a Fact Sheet about the program. For more information, call (877) 782-7005 or visit www.illinoisenergy.org/appliances.

As if that weren't incentive enough for someone to choose an ENERGY STAR qualified product, some product manufacturers and retailers will offer occasional rebates for purchases. You can locate up-to-the-minute information on rebates offered in your zip code by visiting the ENERGY STAR Rebate Finder.

Individual qualifications for each rebate will vary, and the offers change frequently. Neither the Department of Energy (the people behind the Energy Star program) nor Rock Energy Co-op participates directly in any of these rebates. However, we do recommend that you check the rebates before you go shopping for your next home appliance or electronic purchase.