Energy

DNR awarded $4.2 million for Energy Star Rebate Program

The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) has announced that Louisiana’s Department of Natural Resources (DNR) has been awarded $4.2 million from the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act to support energy efficiency and alternative energy efforts in Louisiana homes through the Energy Star Rebate program.

In awarding the funding, DOE approved the comprehensive plan drafted through DNR’s State Energy Office for providing rebates to Louisiana homeowners who replace existing household appliances through the purchase of appliances with the “Energy Star” efficiency rating.

The State Energy Office has committed to making all DOE Energy Star-eligible appliances available to homeowners through the Louisiana program, except those that are not appropriate to Louisiana’s climate.

Included on the list of applicable appliances are clothes washers, dishwashers, refrigerators, freezers, water heaters, HVAC, and room air conditioners. The rebate amounts will range from $75 to $500, depending on the appliance purchased.

DNR Secretary Scott Angelle said the Energy Office staff has been working to make sure that the program is managed in the most quick and efficient way possible to meet the needs of consumers and ensure the funding is handled appropriately.

“This rebate program serves two important goals,” Angelle said. “It is an economic boost to businesses selling these appliances and it will help consumers to use less energy and cut their household costs in the long run.”

The State Energy Office will be working with a third-party contractor to help manage the program, and expects to formally announce the schedule for rolling out the program in January 2010, at which time the details will be spelled out.

In addition, DNR will be partnering with utility companies, retailers, and other stakeholders to assist with marketing the program. That will be done in part through bill inserts and other publicity measures to ensure the public is made aware of the program once the rebates are available.
 
Louisiana homeowners will receive a mail-in rebate for the purchase of an Energy Star appliance once they’ve submitted proof of purchase. The Energy Star federal guidelines require replacement and proper disposal of old inefficient appliances. Therefore, participants will be required to certify compliance with LA R.S. 30:2421, which requires disposal of those appliances in an environmentally safe manner.