Minn. gets $5M for efficient appliance rebates

U.S. Energy Secretary Steven Chu announced Tuesday that Minnesota will receive up to $5 million in federal funding to encourage residents to purchase energy efficient appliances.

The state will receive the money as part of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act, and will use it for its rebate program which encourages consumer purchases of new Energy Star-qualified home appliances.

"Appliances consume a huge amount of our electricity, so there's enormous potential to both save energy and save families money every month," Chu said in a statement. "These rebates will help families make the transition to more efficient appliances, making purchases that will directly stimulate the economy and create jobs."

The new funding will be awarded to states and territories through their energy offices, using a formula set forth in the Energy Policy Act of 2005.

Each state or territory will be required to submit a plan that specifies which Energy Star appliance categories will be included in their rebate program, the rebate level for each product type, how the rebates will be processed and their plan for recycling old appliances.

The rebates will cover central air conditioners, heat pumps, boilers, oil and gas furnaces, room air conditioners, clothes washers, dishwashers, freezers, refrigerators and water heaters.