Stiffed by Rebates of Energy Efficient Appliances
Many who are able and willing have switched to Energy Star-rated appliances because they save money by using less electricity, gas, and water in the long run. There are those who choose to buy newer, more efficient appliances because they believe it's the right thing to do, but for Ohioans who made the switch because of the incentive of state rebate programs paid for with federal funds, some are greatly disappointed.
It appears that there isn't enough money to go around. There are far more people applying for rebates than there is money to pay them out. For example, only $16,500 is earmarked for water-heater rebates. That's a really small amount of money, considering the population of the entire Buckeye state.
The Plain Dealer reports that an estimated 3,743 Ohioans who are on the waiting lists for rebates for refrigerators, clothes washers, and dishwashers will be disappointed.
Ohioans have already claimed $10.1 million, or 96 percent, of the available rebates since the program started in March 26.
So far 9,317 rebate submissions, nearly 12 percent, have been ruled invalid because of errors in submission (wrong model number, incomplete receipts, wrong paperwork, etc.) or erroneous claims.
Oregon, Maryland, and other states are expanding their rebate programs because the number of people changing to energy-efficient appliances and applying for rebates is far greater than estimated by both state and federal authorities.
It's good news that people are making the change, but bad news for those who made the change solely based on the incentive of rebates. Hopefully, those who cannot get a rebate will be comforted in owning a brand new appliance that saves them money in the long run.
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