Winter is fast approaching and more and more Tennesseans are flipping the switch on their heaters and discovering it is time to upgrade their systems. The Tennessee Department of Economic and Community Development’s Energy Division reminds Tennesseans that there is still more than $1 million remaining for energy efficient appliance rebates for consumers who have upgraded to a qualifying Energy Star® appliance since April 22, 2010. As of Oct. 30, 2011, ECD’s Energy Division reports that 17,491 rebates, totaling $4,131,760, have been paid to Tennesseans through the program. Tennessee consumers can still purchase and install eligible Energy Star Appliances to replace less efficient models and receive a rebate debit card on a first-come, first-served basis until funds are depleted. Applications must be postmarked by Jan. 14, 2012. Tennesseans can track funds still remaining at http://teearp.efi.org.
“As the clock winds down on this program, ECD’s Energy Division would like to encourage Tennesseans to take advantage of the rebate while it is available,” Molly Cripps, director, Energy Division, ECD, said. “Energy Star heating and cooling units will decrease energy usage which can result in lower bills for our residents, all while supporting the state’s conservation efforts.”
Eligible appliances include air source heat pumps, central air conditioners, gas furnaces and room air conditioners with the Energy Star designation. A rebate of $250 is available for the air source heat pumps and central air conditioners, a rebate of $150 is available for gas furnaces, and a rebate of $40 is available for room air conditioners. Purchases made on or after April 22, 2010 are eligible for the rebate.
To qualify for the program, consumers must complete the following steps in applying for a rebate:
1. Visit www.e-rebates.org/teearp to begin the online rebate application process. Consumers who do not have access to the Internet should call 1-877-741-4304, and an application will be mailed.
2. On the website identify the qualifying appliance at the top of the page and click “Proceed” to begin an application.
3. Complete the application in its entirety, and then print, sign and date. Note: The most common issue with applications have been incomplete paperwork filed by the applicant or contractor. Please be sure that the application is fully completed, signed and dated.
4. All completed and signed applications must be mailed along with (a) a sales receipt or invoice that shows the date of purchase, cost, and equipment make and model and (b) a copy of a recent electric utility bill for the installation address to one of the addresses below.
For rebates on air source heat pumps, central air conditioners or gas furnaces, mail the signed, completed application and supporting documents to:
CSG Incentive Processing
TN Appliance Rebate Program
P.O. Box 290189
Nashville, TN 37229-0189
For rebates on room air conditioners, mail the signed, completed application and supporting documents to:
EFI Incentive Processing
TN Appliance Rebate Program
Room AC Application
P.O. Box 1248
Westborough, MA 01581-1248
Rebate applications logged through the online reservation system or postmarked before January 14, 2012 will be eligible, provided funds are still available. Applications will be processed on a first-come, first-served basis, determined by the application’s postmarked date. Rebates will be distributed as a prepaid Citibank® MasterCard® and will take approximately 6-8 weeks to receive. Only one rebate per household will be accepted.
All rebates are processed by Conservation Services Group (CSG), a third-party rebate administrator selected by the state of Tennessee after a competitive bid process. Questions about the Energy Efficient Appliance Rebate Program should be directed to CSG at 1-877-741-4304.
