Dec. 3, 2007 — The V.I. Energy Office has relaunched its rebate programs for energy efficiency and renewable energy and Energy Star appliances.
The rebate programs will run through Sept. 30, 2008. They had been on a hiatus since Sept. 30.
"It's especially important because of the latest WAPA increases," said Don Buchanan, Energy Office spokesman, on Monday. The V.I. Water and Power Authority just received permission to raise rates 22.3 percent, which will have a big impact on electrical bills, he said.
The rebates apply only to V.I. residents.
The federal program has given rebates worth $15 million to more than 10,000 V.I. residents since it began in 1990, Buchanan said.
Buyers can receive 20 percent off the purchase prices of Energy Star appliances. Energy Star is a joint program of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and the U.S. Department of Energy aimed at helping consumers save money and protect the environment through energy-efficient products and practices.
There is a maximum rebate of $600 on any item and a limit of two items per rebate cycle.
The Energy Star appliance rebate program applies to room air conditioners with a maximum of 21,000 BTUs, ceiling fans, clothes washers and refrigerators.
Residents may also get $5 off the purchase of three single or one package of four compact fluorescent light bulbs. The purchaser needs to fill out a coupon, but the discount is given when the light bulbs are bought.
The Energy Star appliances must be purchased at certified rebate dealers. On St. Croix, the approved dealers are Best Furniture and Appliances at 778-6440, Carlos Furniture at 719-0304, Carlos Warehouse at 778-6566, Gallows Bay Hardware at 773-1034, ISIVI at 332-1335, Oscar Refrigeration and Furniture at 773-1740 and Quality Electric Supply at 773-4630.
On St. Thomas and St. John, the approved dealers are Appliance Plus and Expo at Appliance Plus at 693-9411, Bulbs Plus at 774-1055 and Western Auto at 775-4400.
The Energy Office is also offering rebates on other items to reduce power consumption under its energy efficiency and renewable energy rebate program.
The rebate for photovoltaic panels runs $3.50 per watt, with a limit of 1 kilowatt.
Solar water heater rebates vary by size, with a limit of one rebate per program cycle. Heaters of 81 to 120 gallons are eligible for a $1,000 rebate. Water heaters 40 to 80 gallons receive a $700 rebate. Water heaters under 39 gallons are eligible for a $500 rebate.
Buyers can get 20 percent off wind-turbine generators, with a maximum rebate of $3,500.
The rebate runs 15 percent for sine wave inverters when you purchase photovoltaic/solar panels or wind-turbine generators. There is a maximum rebate of $1,000.
Electric water heater timers receive a rebate of 25 percent off the retail cost, with a limit of one.
Shop only at certified dealers for those items.
On St. Croix, they are Gallows Bay Hardware at 773-1034, ISIVI at 332-1335, On the Level at 778-3156, Sierra Technical Co. at 779-3641 and West Indies Solair at 773-4790. Quality Electric Supply has electric water heater timers only. Call 773-4630.
On St. Thomas and St. John, shop at Altona Trading and Sales at 774-3373, Green Power V.I. at 776-2697, Pools "R" Weeeee at 714-3001, Quantum at 777-5638, Silent Power at 774-5875, Virgin Energies at 775-1266 and West Indies Windsurfing at 775-6530.
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