Appliance rebate program returning

BOSTON (WWLP) - The state’s popular energy-efficient appliance rebate program is returning.

After a tremendous response when the program was launched in 2010, the state is bringing it back on July 28.

People with old, inefficient refrigerators and air conditioners can qualify for rebates of $150 and $50 respectively if they purchase a new Energy Star model.

You are encouraged to visit the website of the rebate program before you go to purchase. There you can find out more information about eligible models, check the status of funds, and the status of your rebate application.

The program is funded by federal stimulus money, the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative, and from a cap-and-trade program. It's expected to fund about 20,000 rebates, with a value of about $2 million. The state says the new, energy efficient appliances purchased with the rebates will save a total amount of energy equivalent to that would take to power 250 homes in one year.