Rebates for Energy Efficient Appliances

Appliance Rebate Program: Frequently Asked Questions – UPDATED 12-22-09

I've heard about a "Cash for Clunker" appliance rebate program. Will Maryland be participating?
While the program is not officially called the “Cash for Clunker” appliance program, Maryland is participating in the Department of Energy’s energy efficient appliance rebate program. Maryland submitted an application to the Department of Energy on October 15th for $5.4 million in funding. The program was approved by the Department of Energy in early December, and is set to launch in late winter/early spring 2010.

How do I get an appliance rebate? If you are a customer of BGE, Allegheny Power, Pepco, or Delmarva Power, you can get an appliance rebate through your utility right now. These are mail-in rebates, which means you can purchase the appliance anywhere, fill out a form with the proper documentation, and get a check in the mail. SMECO will be rolling out appliance rebate programs in January 2010. Programs vary by utility. The stimulus funding will be layered on top of the utility programs, to provide consumers with additional rebates on other products. You will be able to take advantage of both the utility appliance rebate and the federal appliance rebate at the same time. All rebates will be handled through the utilities, and rebates are not retroactive.
For more information on the utility programs, visit their websites:
Allegheny Power: http://www.alleghenypower.com/EngConserv/MD/WattWatchers/RebatesRes.asp
BGE: www.bgesmartenergy.com
Delmarva: www.delmarva.com
Pepco: www.pepco.com
SMECO (program not yet available): www.smeco.coop

Which appliances will be rebated with stimulus money?
States were free to choose the type of appliance to rebate, as well as the rebate amount for each product. Maryland will be offering a $300 rebate for ENERGY STAR electric heat pump water heaters, a new and very efficient piece of equipment. Stimulus funds will also provide $50 for super-efficient clothes washers and $25 for super-efficient refrigerators. These dollar amounts are in addition to any rebate offered by the utilities for ENERGY STAR models. BGE, Allegheny, Pepco, and Delmarva Power currently offer other appliance rebates as well; SMECO will offer rebates beginning in January 2010 (see above).

How do I find out which appliances qualify?
ENERGY STAR Electric Heat Pump Water Heaters: Any electric heat pump water heater with the ENERGY STAR logo will qualify. Models can be found here: http://www.energystar.gov/index.cfm?fuseaction=heat_pump.display_products_html
Clothes washers and refrigerators must meet Tier 2 or Tier 3 efficiency standards from the Consortium for Energy Efficiency. Lists of qualifying models can be found in the lists below:
Super-efficient Clothes Washers: http://www.cee1.org/resid/seha/rwsh/rwsh-prod.pdf
Super-efficient Refrigerators: http://www.cee1.org/resid/seha/refrig/files/ref_prod.pdf
MEA will be working with the utilities and manufacturers in the near future to make these lists more consumer-friendly.
Where can I purchase the appliances?
You can purchase qualifying appliances at any store you choose. You will need to submit relevant documentation (receipts, etc) in order to receive your rebate.

When will the program be up and running?
We are looking to launch the program in late winter/early spring 2010. As mentioned above, you may be able to take advantage of the utility programs if you’re looking to purchase appliances before then. The rebate program will not be retroactive.

How will I know when the program launches? MEA will update our website with the most current information. To stay up-to-date about this and other MEA programs, sign up for our newsletter at www.energy.maryland.gov, by clicking on “News and Events.” You will also receive marketing information from your utility provider, in the form of bill inserts, radio ads, etc.

Are there any other sources of rebates or tax credits?
For federal tax credits, visit www.energystar.gov/taxcredits. There are no state tax credits available at this time.
To find out about manufacturer’s rebates available, visit www.energystar.gov, click on “Products,” then click on “Special Offers” (green bar on the right). Enter your zip code for additional information.

What if I’m not a customer of one of those five utilities?
MEA will be offering a simplified rebate program for customers of municipal and cooperative utilities. Look for marketing information on the MEA website or with your utility bills sometime in early 2010 for more information.
For additional information, contact Lauren Swiston at 410-260-7522 or lswiston@energy.state.md.us

Wine Education Series

A Crash Course In Wine
Starting in February, the Bin will hold a 3-part wine education series taught by Laurie Foster, the Wine Coach® and author of The Sipping Point. For more details and to purchase tickets, visit www.thewinecoach.com/baltimore

For more details call the Wine Bin at 410-465-7802 or visit their website at www.winebinec.com

How is the Housing Market

It appears that the housing market in Maryland in leveling off. We are by no means out of the woods yet but I am seeing a little more activity in January than I have experience for the same month in the past. The most active price range seems to be under $400,000.
If you are thinking about buying a new home NOW is the time. The Stimulus Tax Credit for First Time Buyers of up to $8,000 has been extended until the end of April 2010 and second time home buyers can now qualify for a lesser stimulus.

Recycling

Baltimore County is embarking on a single stream recycling program beginning this February. Single stream means that all forms of recycling, paper, plastic, and glass can be recycled together, instead of separate pickups for paper and bottles/cans. Although single stream is not as "pure," it will be easier for residents to recycle. "Recycling is always a better choice than setting items out for trash."