Press Room >> 2010 Press Releases

For Immediate Release
June 3, 2010

Ohio Energy Efficient Appliance Rebate Program:
Rebate Checks Processed and Funding Reallocated
25,254 Rebate Checks Mailed Wednesday and 9,083 Consumers Eligible for Rebate Funds

Columbus, Ohio – Ohio Department of Development Director Lisa Patt-McDaniel today announced more than $3 million in the first wave of rebate checks are in the mail to more than 25,000 consumers through the Ohio Energy Efficient Appliance Rebate Program. Additionally, more than $1 million in remaining rebate funds for high-efficiency gas storage and electric heat pump water heaters has been reprogrammed to serve more than 9,000 Ohio consumers on the wait lists for clothes washers, dishwashers, and refrigerators. The program dates for these appliances have been extended until all available funds are depleted.

"Overall, we are extremely pleased with the success of the Ohio Appliance Rebate Program," Patt-McDaniel said. "These rebates are directly stimulating our economy, driving revenue to Ohio retailers, increasing production for manufacturers, and greatly improving household energy efficiency for consumers."

The program period for consumers to reserve rebates for high-efficiency gas storage and electric heat pump water heaters ended on May 24, 2010. After the funds were reallocated to dishwashers, clothes washers, and refrigerators, Ohio consumers on the wait list for these appliances were notified by e-mail if a rebate reservation is available to them. They are now eligible to purchase and redeem their appliance rebates within five days of receiving the email. Consumers have 60 days after the appliance purchase date to mail their original receipt and the proof of recycling documentation.

Rebate checks continue to be processed and mailed to consumers after a thorough evaluation to ensure all rebates are compliant with program eligibility requirements. Once validated, rebate checks will be mailed to consumers, who can anticipate receiving checks in 8-10 weeks after submission.

In some instances, consumers may receive a postcard, which states that their rebate has been deemed invalid along with a list of reasons. To determine the cause and necessary corrective actions to be taken, consumers should visit the program website at www.OhioApplianceRebate.com and select Received A Postcard at the top of the page. Consumers will have 21 days from the postmark date to resubmit the required documentation to Ohio's rebate processor. To inquire about the status of a certain rebate, consumers may visit the program website and select track your rebate to receive the current rebate status.

With more than 90 percent of the total rebates have been redeemed, the Ohio Department of Development expects the program to conclude once the remaining balance of funds have been reallocated and redeemed by those on the wait list.

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.

###

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