Funds from Economic Recovery Package Will Encourage Purchases of Energy Efficient Appliances
WASHINGTON D.C.—The Massachusetts congressional delegation today hailed the release of over $6 million for the Bay State for rebate programs to encourage purchases of energy efficient appliances as part of the economic recovery package. The program, announced by the Department of Energy, will help consumers purchase ENERGY STAR qualified appliances.
“Simple measures like changing our appliances hold great potential for saving energy and reducing monthly electricity bills,” said Rep. Ed Markey (D-Malden), the dean of the Massachusetts and New England House delegations and Chairman of twin energy panels in the House. “This important program, coupled with energy efficiency provisions in the clean energy legislation currently before Congress, will save consumers in the Bay State real money.”
“These funds will be available to help consumers increase the energy efficiency of their appliances – a simple step that can result in real savings,” stated Congressman Mike Capuano.
“This rebate program will provide $6 million to Massachusetts residents to encourage them to purchase new energy efficient appliances. This exciting initiative, announced by the Department of Energy, will help consumers save money, conserve energy, and stimulate the local economy,” said Congressman Richard E. Neal.
“This federal stimulus funding will be good for the economy and good for the environment,” Rep. James McGovern said. “Helping families to purchase more energy efficient appliances is the right thing to do.”
“Creating incentives to encourage consumers to purchase energy efficient appliances is good for the environment and good for the economy. Families will use less energy, save on utility bills and stimulate our economy by purchasing new efficient appliances,” Congressman Stephen F. Lynch said.
"Promoting energy efficiency is one of the simplest and most effective means of reducing household energy costs," said Congresswoman Niki Tsongas. "These funds being released this afternoon will help to encourage the purchase and use of these cost saving technologies."
“Increasing the energy efficiency of the household appliances we use every day—and then making those appliances affordable to as many families as possible is a fast, effective way to cut back on our carbon emissions and energy bills,” said Congressman John F. Tierney (D-MA). “Increased funding for the ENERGY STAR rebates will help more and more households realize these benefits for the environment, and their balance sheets.”
“This funding underscores how the recovery package is helping families in Massachusetts,” said Rep. William Delahunt. “In our current economic climate, these rebates will go a long way to provide many with a much needed savings on their energy bills.”
Massachusetts will receive more than $6.2 million in stimulus funds for the rebate program. The program will help consumers purchase new ENERGY STAR qualified appliances. This rebate program saves consumers energy by encouraging the replacement of older, energy-inefficient appliances with new ENERGY STAR models. It saves consumers money by reducing the initial cost of a new appliance, and through reduced energy bills. Furthermore, by increasing demand for more efficient products, the rebate program will support manufacturing, retailing, and recycling jobs.
Massachusetts will select which residential ENERGY STAR appliances qualify for a rebate, but DOE recommends that states and territories focus their program efforts on heating and cooling equipment, appliances, and water heaters as these products offer the greatest energy savings potential.
