Oklahomans soon could get rebates for their old washing machines and fridges under a proposed plan through the Oklahoma Department of Commerce.

But people wanting similar rebates for their old dryers or ovens won’t be so fortunate.

The proposed rebate plan is an effort through the U.S. Department of Energy to encourage customers to buy energy-saving “Energy Star” appliances. The state’s program would be funded by a $3.5 million stimulus grant through the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act.

The Oklahoma Department of Commerce submitted its proposed plan to the Energy Department in October. The DOE is expected to notify the state by Nov. 30 if the plan is approved. The program then could start in early spring.

Area appliance dealers said they know a rebate program is coming, but don’t have details.

“We know it will be some sort of rebate when you come in and buy an appliance,” said Darrell Hamby, owner of Tumble In Appliances.

Hamby said the program would focus on appliances with Energy Star ratings, which include washing machines and refrigerators.

“To be an Energy Star appliance, it (the appliance) has to decide how much energy it uses,” Hamby said. “Anything that controls its own use of power can be Energy Star if it exceeds government energy standards by 15 percent or more. This would include refrigerators, washers, freezers or dishwashers. However, you determine how much energy a dryer uses or an oven uses,” by determining how long the appliance would run.

Energy Star appliances have a big yellow tag or sticker designating how much energy it could save, he said.

Jackie Fountain, who sells appliances at the Arrowhead Mall Sears store, said a lot of customers are asking about the rebates.

“But we heard nothing about it yet,” she said. “We have no word yet on who qualifies or what qualifies. I heard it was going to be refrigerators and washers only.”

The Department of Commerce Web site listed seven appliances and proposed rebate amounts being considered:

• Clothes washers, $200.

• Refrigerators, $200.

• Room air conditioners, $50.

• Water heaters, $100.

• Central air conditioners, $100.

• Gas furnaces, $100.

• Ground source heat pumps, $250.

Vaughn Clark, DOC director of community development, said the state would work with a third party administrator to distribute the rebate.

“This is not a Cash for Clunkers program, but there is a replacement requirement,” Clark said.

He said only Oklahoma residential consumers will be eligible for rebates in Oklahoma, and there would be a maximum of one rebate per appliance and two rebates per household.



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