New Yorkers Get Cash Rebates on Appliances

The program aims to help consumers save money while reducing energy use. "This program will provide a tremendous incentive for consumers all across New York to reduce their energy consumption while providing an important stimulus to our economy, and helping to meet the State's '45 by 15' clean energy goal," Gov. Paterson said.

The “45 by 15” goal aims to reduce New York's energy consumption by 45 percent by 2015 by improved energy efficiency and utilizing renewable energy. According to Paterson, there will be 50,000 new jobs created through the initiative.

All appliances must have an “Energy Star” label on them in order for consumers to get a rebate. Energy Star appliances are 30 percent more efficient than other appliances.

Consumers can get a $50-$105 rebate for energy efficient refrigerators, clothes washers, and freezers.

Up to $555 can be given as a rebate for three appliances purchases at once that are certified by the Consortium of Energy Efficiency, which are more efficient than Energy Star appliances, states the release. The rebates come on a first come, first serve basis and end on Feb. 21.