Energy Efficient Appliance Rebate Program Closes

South Dakota's energy efficient appliance rebate program is now closed. The applications received have claimed all available rebate funds.

"If the application isn't already in the mail on Monday, it's unlikely to get a rebate," said Mike Mueller, spokesman for the state Bureau of Administration. "But we'll hold any more that we receive as a waiting list in case funds become available because other applications are rejected."

The stimulus-funded rebate program to encourage replacement of old appliances with more efficient ENERGY STAR^® qualified models began March 1, 2010, with an estimated $738,391 available for consumer rebates.

As of Monday, April 12, 2010, rebate applications for 6,486 appliances have been received. Clothes washers, refrigerators and dishwashers are the most popular appliances submitted for rebates. Clothes washers top the list with nearly 33 percent of the appliance rebate applications. Dishwashers and refrigerators comprise 27 percent and 26 percent of the applications respectively. Freezers are 9 percent of the total, with water heaters the final 5 percent.

Rebate checks are being issued an average of three weeks after receipt of successful application. To date, rebates for 3,582 appliances have been paid, totaling $400,225:

Rebates Paid To Date	Appliances	Amount
Clothes Washer	1,122	$112,200
Dishwashers	1,015	$76,125
Refrigerators	898	$134,700
Freezers	353	$52,950
Water Heaters	194	$24,250
Total	3,582	$400,225

Ninety-six applications have been denied so far for various reasons, including because the appliance was not ENERGY STAR qualified, the applicant lived out of state, or the purchase was made before the program began.

Processing will continue on the remaining applications received, and all applicants will be notified of the final disposition of their application.

Information provided by the South Dakota Bureau of Administration
April 2010