Press Room >> 2010 Press Releases

For Immediate Release
April 21, 2010

Ohio Energy Efficient Appliance Rebate Program
Dates Extended to Accommodate High Demand
$10.4 Million in Rebates Spur Sales at Ohio Appliance Retailers

COLUMBUS – Ohio Department of Development Director Lisa Patt-McDaniel today announced the dates for consumers to secure nearly $2 million in remaining rebates from the Ohio Energy Efficient Appliance Rebate Program have been extended. Consumers can join the wait list for refrigerators, dishwashers, and clothes washers until all available funds are depleted. The original program end date for these appliances was set for April 19, 2010.

"We are extremely pleased with the unprecedented number of Ohioans benefiting from this federal stimulus program increase business sales, stimulating manufacturers' production, and improving household energy efficiency for consumers," Patt-McDaniel said.

Due to high consumer demand, the Ohio Department of Development will reallocate the remaining balance of rebate funds from refrigerators to allow those on the wait lists for dishwashers and clothes washers to receive a rebate. Once funds are reallocated, Ohio consumers who registered for the wait list will be notified by email that they have a rebate reservation. They will then be eligible to purchase and redeem their appliance rebates within three days.

To accommodate high demand in delivering products directly to consumers, the Ohio Department of Development has issued a 30-day extension for submitting required documentation to the rebate processor. Consumers now have a total of 60 days after the appliance purchase date to mail their original receipt and other required documentation, claiming a portion of the nearly $2 million in remaining rebate funds.

"The Ohio Energy Efficient Appliance Rebate Program has had a positive influence on consumers being conscious of the benefits of purchasing and using energy efficient products," said Debbie Jones of Trio TV & Appliance, Inc. in Lancaster. "We have been very pleased with the response from consumers and have gained new customers who have previously not shopped in our store. The paperwork is easy, and our customers are able to make their reservation over the phone if they do not have a computer. It is a "win-win" situation for everyone."

"We are extremely appreciative of the appliance stimulus program, and so are our customers," said Randy LoFaso, Sears Store Manager in Canton. "Whether customers were already in the market for a new appliance, looking to upgrade, or just wanting to go green and save some money on energy, the event attracted a plethora of customers. Overall, we found the program to be a huge success that provided our customers with an excellent opportunity and gave us a great boost in sales."

Since more than 75 percent of the total rebates have been redeemed, the Ohio Department of Development encourages Ohio residents to continue reserving rebates or joining a wait list for those appliances that currently have no available balance of rebate funds. After the program end date of May 24, 2010 for high-efficiency gas storage and electric heat pump water heaters, the Ohio Department of Development may reallocate any remaining balances to those registered on the wait lists for other appliances.

Working with our partners across business, state and local governments, academia, and the nonprofit sector, the Ohio Department of Development works to attract, create, grow, and retain businesses through competitive incentives and targeted investments. Engaged every day in marketing, deal-making, innovating, investing, and collaborating, the Ohio Department of Development works at the speed of business to accelerate and support the teamwork that is absolutely necessary for success by providing financial, informational, and technical assistance to those making an investment in Ohio's future.

The Ohio Energy Resources Division works to grow the economy of the state by connecting companies and communities to financial and technical resources in order to deploy renewable energy technologies and energy efficiency.

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Media contacts: Bethany Close at (614) 466-6619 or
the Communications and Marketing Office at (614) 466-2609