Gov. Bev Perdue this week announced that North Carolina is in line to receive $8.8 million in federal funds to help homeowners purchase energy-efficient appliances, from furnaces and room air conditioners to refrigerators and dishwashers.
The money for ENERGY STAR rated appliances would be distributed through a program to be developed by the Energy Office along with the N.C. Office of Economic Recovery and Investment.
The funds are part of nearly $300 million from the federal American Recovery and Reinvestment Act being distributed nationwide by the U.S. Department of Energy.
“Affordable, energy efficient appliances are not only good for the environment, they cut energy costs for consumers and create more business for retailers,” said Perdue. “These recovery funds will help boost our green economy, and make North Carolina a more environmentally friendly state.”
The federal Energy Department is recommending that states focus the rebate program efforts on heating and cooling equipment, appliances and water heaters, since these products offer the greatest energy saving potential.
In addition, the state and federal government offer tax advantages on the purchase of some major home appliances. North Carolina also offers a sales tax free holiday weekend on the purchase of some ENERGY STAR products. This year it is scheduled for Friday, Nov. 6, through Sunday, Nov. 8.
For more information on the federal ENERGY STAR rebate program, visit www.energy.gov/recovery.
For more information on North Carolina’s Recovery effort, visit www.NCRecovery.gov.