LITTLE ROCK, AR - The Arkansas Energy Office (AEO), a division of the Arkansas Economic Development Commission (AEDC), today announced that The Arkansas ENERGY STAR® Appliance Rebate Program will immediately re-open with $1.4 million in funds. The program is funded by the U.S. Department of Energy through the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act.

The rebate for ENERGY STAR® rated refrigerators is $275, the rebate for ENERGY STAR® clothes washers is $225, and the rebate on ENERGY STAR® water heaters is $300.

Rebates are awarded on a first-come, first-served basis until funds are exhausted. The rebate program originally launched in March 2010. More than $6.5 million in rebates have been distributed to date.

“This was one of our most popular energy programs when we offered it in 2010, and we are excited to have the funds to bring it back again,” said Scott Hamilton, director of the AEO. “Consumers receive the initial financial benefit from the rebate and go on to save a substantial amount of money long term through lower monthly energy bills by the use of highly efficient ENERGY STAR® rated appliances. I encourage all Arkansans interested in energy efficiency and the rebate to act now as we expect funds to move quickly.”

To qualify for the rebate, the applicant must (1) be an Arkansas resident, (2) purchase a qualifying ENERGY STAR® appliance from a participating vendor as a replacement for the current appliance , (3) install the new appliance at their primary residential address, and (4) within 30 days complete and submit (a) a rebate form (b) proof of purchase (c) documentation that the old appliance was either removed by the participating vendor or taken to a recycling center.

For more information on the program, visit ...