Wood stove rebate program running out of funds

SPRINGFIELD, Mass. (WWLP) - If you haven't applied yet for the state's popular wood stove rebate program, time is running out.

After this weekend, the State Dept. of Energy will not be able to take your application for the rebate program.

Starting up a wood stove during these frigid days and nights is comforting and cost efficient.

Carla Brodeur, store manager at Old Hadleigh Hearth and Patio said, “The benefit of owning a wood stove is it's an alternative fuel source that's still the least expensive fuel that you can use.”

However, time is running out to take advantage of a rebate program to exchange an old stove for a new wood or coal stove.

Massachusetts has already given out near 1 million dollars in rebates and now the program is running out of funds.

Depending on eligibility, you could get as much as 2,000 dollars towards a newer model.

The newer stoves are more efficient so you end up using less wood. They're also designed to trap and reuse the smoke so fewer pollutants are released into the air.

Also, with home heating oil prices in Western Massachusetts around $3.50 a gallon, the use of a stove is a cost saver and this week really paid off. “They get quite a bit of use, the ones that we have it just makes things very comfortable especially when you get extra cold snaps like this,” said Tom Murphy of Wilbraham.

This weekend is the last time you can apply for the program but surely not the last time the temperatures will drop this season.

Written applications must be postmarked by Saturday and online applications submitted by 5pm Sunday January 27th. For more information you can click here .