Congressman Henry Cuellar (TX-28) today announced that Texans can start applying for the Texas Trade Up Appliance Rebate Program beginning Wednesday, April 7, 2010. The state-run appliance rebate program will provide $23 million worth of rebates towards the purchase of more energy-efficient, cost-saving home appliances. Texans can apply for rebates online and over the phone starting Wednesday.
“This common sense program is a win-win for Texas,” said Congressman Cuellar. “Texas Trade Up will help thousands of families, consumers and homeowners make cost-saving investments in their homes. A little incentive goes a long way in these tough economic times.”
Similar to the popular “Cash for Clunkers” program, Texas Trade Up is a first of its kind in Texas. The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act passed by Congress in 2009, made over $300 million available to the Department of Energy to create similar rebate programs across all states.
Rebates vary from $45-$1,600 for refrigerators, freezers, air conditioners, dishwashers, water heaters and other typical home appliances. Rebates will help Texans replace old, but functional, appliances with new ENERGY STAR or CEE (Consortium for Energy Efficiency) qualified appliances.
The Texas State Energy Conservation Office (SECO) will oversee the program to assist thousands of families trade up their less-efficient appliances for newer energy-saving appliances. Texans can reserve their rebates starting April 7th at 7 a.m. CT by visiting www.texaspowerfulsmart.org or by calling toll-free 1-(877) 780-3039. The purchase period for most appliances is April 16-25.
“By investing in energy-efficient appliances, consumers can save on their electric and water bills now and into the future,” said Congressman Cuellar. “This is a smart program for Texas and a good local stimulus as appliances will have to be purchased within our state.”
Consumers can receive rebates of up to $1,000 towards the purchase of an energy-efficient central air conditioning unit, plus an additional $75 for choosing to recycle their old one. Other rebates include up to $215 for qualifying dishwashers and up to $255 for clothes washers and freezers.
Rebate checks will be distributed through the mail and SECO is urging all Texans to move fast beginning April 7th to reserve their rebates as funds are limited.
For more information on the Texas Trade Up Appliance Rebate Program, please visit:
http://www.texaspowerfulsmart.org/rebate/
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Congressman Henry Cuellar is a member of the U.S. House Homeland Security, Agriculture, and Government Oversight & Reform Committees in the 111th Congress. Accessibility to constituents, education, health care, economic development, and national security are his priorities. Congressman Cuellar is also a Senior Whip and member of the Blue Dog Coalition.
