Understanding Government

Buying a refrigerator may seem like a strange way to celebrate Earth Day, but with millions in federal funds available in rebates for energy efficient appliances, many Californians decided to do just that on April 22 — in a cash-for-clunkers-style rush at appliance and home improvement stores across the state.

Californians, and consumers around the U.S., will receive rebates of up to $200 for a new refrigerator, $100 for a washing machine and smaller rebates for other items – that is, until the $35 million alloted to the program nationwide runs out. Bethany Clough of the Fresno Bee reports many California appliance store owners are concerned that, as with the Cash For Clunkers program, the federal rebate money will disappear too quickly to boost their revenues significantly.

While consumers are focused on getting financial help for a large purchase from Uncle Sam, the rebates from the Obama administration’s 2009 stimulus program also aim to boost factory orders for durable goods – thus creating jobs and (eventually at least) reducing demand on power plants and the country’s electrical grid.

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To visit a federal database of programs available in each state, visit http://www.dsireusa.org/

For more home energy saving tips, visit
http://www.energy.gov/applianceselectronics.htm