Department of Economic and Community Development Commissioner Matt Kisber today announced the State Energy Efficient Appliance Rebate Program (SEEARP) will open Tuesday, Aug. 24 at noon CDT. Rebates will be available on a first-come, first-served basis for qualifying Energy Star heating and cooling appliances, funded out of $5.9 million in American Recovery and Reinvestment Act dollars.

"Assisting Tennesseans in purchasing Energy Star heating and cooling units will help people reduce their energy usage and lower their utility bills, while also having a positive impact on our environment,” said Commissioner Kisber. “The Rebate Program is a welcome step in the right direction for our state’s future energy conservation initiatives.”

Eligible appliances include air source heat pumps, central air conditioners, gas furnaces and room air conditioners with the Energy Star designation.

A rebate of $250 will be available for the air source heat pumps and central air conditioners, a rebate of $150 will be available for gas furnaces, and a rebate of $40 will be available for room air conditioners. Purchases made on or after April 22, 2010 will be eligible for the rebate. Through a competitive bid process, the state of Tennessee selected Conservation Services Group (CSG) to act as a third-party rebate administrator for the program.

The state of Tennessee is partnering with the Tennessee Valley Authority to reduce administrative and processing costs, as well as to help market and promote the Rebate Program. Additionally, consumers receiving rebates under the state’s program may be eligible for further financial assistance through TVA’s existing residential efficiency programs.

“This is a great time for Tennesseans to replace old heat pumps and air conditioners, lower their power bills, and help protect the environment,” said Bob Balzar, TVA vice president of Energy Efficiency and Demand Response. “Efficient appliances also reduce power demand and help avert the need for new power plants. TVA is committed to this partnership and to the increased energy efficiency it will bring to residents of the state of Tennessee.”

Statewide, the estimated energy savings for delivery and installation of qualified heating and cooling products is approximately 16 million kilowatt hours per year. A reduction in energy use of that size translates to a yearly savings of almost $1.4 million in energy costs for Tennesseans and reduces the amount of carbon dioxide emitted into the atmosphere by 32 million pounds annually.

“CSG is excited to have the opportunity to further advance energy efficiency in the state through our association with the appliance rebate program,” said Bruce Teal, regional vice president for CSG.

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