Jefferson announces launch of new ‘Energy Star’ program

From press release

State Rep. Chuck Jefferson (D-Rockford) announced that a new money-saving federal program called “Energy Star” will become available soon, and is designed to help Illinois retailers while promoting green jobs and environmentally-friendly products.

“Appliance dealers in Rockford should enroll as soon as possible,” Jefferson said. “This is new money that can be pumped directly into our state’s economy. It should boost retail sales, grow sales tax revenue, and put more money in consumers’ pockets. But the federal funding is only helpful if we act to take advantage of it.”

Jefferson explained that as of Jan. 31, the program offers 25 percent rebates for Energy Star-qualified hot water heaters. Then, from April 16 until April 25, surrounding Earth Day, the program will offer 15 percent rebates on Energy Star-qualified clothes washers, dishwashers, freezers, refrigerators and room air conditioners.

“Not only will these instant rebates save companies money, but the Energy Star program will also increase awareness, and serve as an incentive for customers to purchase  environmental-friendly and energy-efficient products,” Jefferson said. “This increases the need for green jobs to produce the products, promotes environment protection, and will ultimately save residents much-needed money in the long run.”

Jefferson met with the Illinois Retail Merchants Association earlier in the week to receive an update on legislative priorities, and to collaborate on budgetary and economic issues. Jefferson believes that this program will benefit both retailers and customers, and explained that through this program, customers will also be eligible for up to a $100 mail-in rebate from the state if they show proof that their old appliance was recycled.

Energy Star is a collaborative program between the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and the U.S. Department of Energy and was created to save money and protect the environment through the use of energy-efficient products and practices.

For details on how retailers can apply, please contact the Illinois Retail Merchants Association at (312) 726-4600. For more information on the program, or to receive recycling rebate forms, visit the Energy Star Web site at www.helpgreenillinois.org or call the Citizens Utility Board at (800) 669-5566, or you may contact Jefferson’s full-time constituent service office at (815) 987-7433.