The government is giving out more than $300 million in rebates for those who buy energy efficient appliances. Unfortunately, the program was so successful that in many cases, states ran out of deals to dole within a day or two. The Fed created the program as part of the stimulus package, and the results seem to be boosting the sales of retailers.
Part of the success was inspired by turn in programs involving cars and other old appliances. Last year, the Cash for Clunkers program rewarded those who swapped gas guzzling trucks and SUV’s for cash, and similarly, these appliance seekers have seen the boon.
Partly fueled by Earth Day, California’s incentive program has $35 million in rebates, while American Samoa has $100,000. Some states, like Texas, had such a positive response to the rebates that many customers had difficulty securing reservations, due to long phone wait times, and crashing websites. Frustration and dissatisfaction was rampant.
Other states, like Missouri, have learned from these problems and begun a phasing process instead. Illinois made the retailers seek the rebates from the state, which was a lot easier on the customers. A Colorado appliance company, Appliance Factory Outlet, anticipates to make more than $300,000. It seems that most people are benefitting from the government’s deal.
