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Charlotte Amalie
Thursday, March 28, 2024
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Energy Rebate Programs Nearing End

It is still possible to apply for hundreds of dollars in cash rebates for energy efficient appliances, but the federal stimulus funding is nearly gone, so apply now or it may be too late, according to the V.I. Energy Office.

The State Energy Efficient Appliance Rebate Program, focused on the replacement of inefficient dishwashers and freezers with energy efficient ones, was funded with $104,000 under American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009.

Most of those funds have been disbursed, and when that money is gone in the next few weeks, there are no plans to fund the program further, according to a statement from the Energy Office.

The Energy Office never offered rebates on dishwashers and freezers before this program began last year; the program also includes rebates on refrigerators, room air conditioners, certain heat pumps, and gas tankless water heaters.

When the ARRA rebate programs began in October 2009, $6.5 million has been set aside for rebates and loans. After this rebate program closes, only the renewable energy rebate program will still have funds available.

At this point, there is $227,000 left in that program, which gives 50 percent rebates on wind turbines, photovoltaic systems, solar water heaters, batteries, and inverters.

To get a rebate, people must be V.I. residents – tax documents or identification may also be required – and the items must be purchased from approved vendors in the U.S. Virgin Islands.

Consumers must apply for rebates within 30 days of purchase and will be processed on a first-come, first-serve basis; they will be issued to consumers within 30 to 60 days after the application is received.

Participants in this program are also eligible to participate in the Energy Office’s rebate programs on other Energy Star appliances and alternative energy equipment.

Applications for all rebate programs, as well as additional information regarding the program, are available at www.vienergy.org.

For more information call 713-8436 on St. Croix and 714-8436 on St. Thomas.

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