BeaDandelion: Progress Energy - Guest Post by Suzanne Grant

Thursday, April 15, 2010

Progress Energy - Guest Post by Suzanne Grant

Suzanne Grant is back (she was here too.) Just wanted to update you on the rebate upon appliance upgrades that starts Friday the 16th

Although the program will apply to appliances purchased between April 16 and April 25, residents must pre-register for their rebates at www.rebates.com/florida.See below.

Progress Energy Florida shares rebate info on upgrading to energy-efficient appliances to save money and electricity

Government rebate program runs in Florida April 16-25 only

Progress Energy Florida encourages customers to replace inefficient, old appliances to save energy and to lower their monthly bills. Right now in Florida (April 16 through April 25, 2010) state residents have an added incentive to purchase energy-saving ENERGY STAR appliances. As part of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act, commonly known as the stimulus package, the US Department of Energy is providing rebates on the purchase of new, qualifying energy-saving appliances.

The program is slightly different in each state. Progress Energy Florida is a partner in the Florida ENERGY STAR appliance rebate program which focuses on replacing appliances that provide the most energy and water savings.

Only new, qualified ENERGY STAR appliances, purchased in Florida for personal use, are eligible for a 20 percent rebate on the retail price. Gas tank-less water heaters, clothes washers, refrigerators, dishwashers, room air-conditioners and freezers are included.

**This program is available to all Florida residents through a mail-in rebate application.**

Estimates of savings (from Progress Energy Florida and the Department of Energy):

Refrigerators:

· If you have a refrigerator from the 1980s and you replace it with an ENERGY STAR qualified model you can save over $100 each year on your utility bills. Replace a fridge from the 1970s and save nearly double each year!

· New ENERGY STAR refrigerators use less energy than a 60-watt light run continuously.

· The new ENERGY STAR models are twice as efficient as those made before 1993.

Washing Machines:

· Is your washer more than 10 years old? Replace it with a new ENERGY STAR qualified washer can save you over $135 each year on your utility bills – water and electric.

Dishwashers:

· If your dishwasher made before 1994 you spend about $40 a year more for electric to run it than if you had new ENERGY STAR model.

Freezers:

· If your freezer was purchased before 1993, replacing it with an ENERGY STAR model can save you $35 each year. If it is from the 1980s, it's costing you an extra $70 each year.

All costs are approximate and will vary based on your use and electric rate.

Check out these additional resources for more information and step by step directions. But, you’d better hurry! Florida residents must purchase qualifying appliances between April 16 and April 25 to qualify.

For energy-saving tips from Progress Energy visit www.savethewatts.com.

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