Appliance Rebate Program FAQs

 

How can I check the status of my rebate?

If you have submitted your rebate application, you can check the status of your rebate online at: myrebateonline.com or by calling a customer service representative at 877-262-6853. Your rebate will be mailed within 4-6 weeks upon approval of your application.

Why doesn't the appliance rebate program include refrigerators anymore?

The US Department of Energy requires that funding be used in ways that emphasize water and energy waste reduction, so the SEU programs will be shifting to reflect these requirements and to make sure rebates for clothes washers, dishwashers and hot water heaters are available to Delaware residents for as long as the funding is available. 

Advances in design and technology allow ENERGY STAR® gas water heaters, clothes and dishwashers to generate greater quantities of savings in energy and water.  Water heaters can recoup a customer's investment in a short period of time.

We are fortunate in Delaware because we were ahead of the game when we established the SEU and the Energize Delaware program. When we launched the appliance rebate program last fall, long before federal stimulus dollars were available, we tapped funds from the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative (RGGI) with the understanding that it would eventually be replaced by the federal American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA)’s stimulus funding. We are the first state in the nation to deploy this ARRA-supported program because the SEU’s Energize Delaware program was already up and running.

Are there rebates on any other appliances for my home?

Starting on July 7, 2010, rebates up to $550 are available on energy efficient Heating and Cooling equipment. 

What are the results of the appliance rebate program?  Are you satisfied with the success of the program?

The SEU’s appliance rebate program surpassed expectations and we’re pleased with the strong response we’ve received from residents so far. In the four months since we’ve launched SEU’s Energize Delaware, our rebate program has resulted in more than 8,000 rebates being sent to state residents, as well as significant savings – more than 800,000 kilowatt hours per year, more than $150,000 per year, and more than 1.7 million pounds worth of carbon dioxide emissions.

When will all of these rebates end?

Rebates for refrigerators, freezers, and dehumidifiers ended on January 31st - three weeks earlier than originally scheduled. No purchases of these appliances made after these dates will be eligible for rebates. The following is a listing up intended rebate program dates, however all programs are assessed for consumer demand and effectiveness and are subject to available funding:

  • Refrigerators, Freezers and Dehumidifiers:  January 31, 2010
     
  • Clothes Washers:  August 31, 2010
     
  • Gas Water Heaters:  August 31, 2010
     
  • Dishwashers:  August 31, 2010
     
  • Room Air Conditioners:  August 31, 2010

In keeping with the intent of the federal stimulus money, the appliance rebate program offers a boost to consumers’ pocketbooks and retailers’ sales. Delaware is the first state in the nation to deploy the appliance rebate program. Because of the SEU’s unique nonprofit status, the SEU is able to leverage funding and resources to offer an independent source of information and incentives -- a broad portfolio of money and energy saving programs for residents and businesses.

What will happen with the recycling program the SEU was exploring?

Many retailers already offer a recycling program and Delawareans are encouraged to take advantage of those programs. The Delaware Solid Waste Authority (DSWA)also provides drop of recycling for non-refrigerant containing appliances. Due to the changes in the federal guidelines, which emphasize appliances that conserve water and energy (versus refrigerators and freezers with refrigerants than can be harmful to the atmosphere if not properly recaptured) – the SEU is not likely to offer an appliance-recycling program. For more information, call DSWA at 1-800-404-7080 or visit their website to learn more.  Here are some additional tips for recycling in Delaware.

Are the rebate amounts changing under these new federal guidelines? 

The new requirements will trigger a shift toward rebates that emphasize energy and water savings – clothes washers, dishwashers and hot water heaters. Programs will continually be assessed for consumer demand and effectiveness.

Rebates for qualified appliances -- clothes washers, dishwashers, room air conditioners and hot water heaters will continue as planned for purchases made December 1, 2009 through August 31, 2010 while funding is available.

Dishwashers
Rebates for eligible dishwashers: $30 until August 31, 2010 or until funding is exhausted. Dishwashers made before 1994 result in an average of $40 a year more on utility bills compared to owning a new ENERGY STAR qualified model, which can also save about $85 more in energy costs over the unit’s lifetime than a new standard model.

Gas Hot Water Heaters
Hot water heaters: $50 for a qualified high-efficiency gas storage water heater; $200 for a gas tankless water heater. These rebates also continue until August 31, 2010 or until funding is exhausted. The average household spends $400-$600 per year on water heating, making it the largest energy expense other than heating and cooling rooms. Today, ENERGY STAR qualified models include enhancements for improved efficiency and performance, which could cut your heating costs in half. Upgraded gas storage water heaters can save about $360 over the product’s life. Gas tankless water heaters use less energy and have a life expectancy of 20 years, far longer than conventional models. 

Clothes Washers
The new federal guidelines indicate that clothes washers (top- or front-load) will be eligible for up to $75 in rebates until August 31, 2010. Purchasing an ENERGY STAR qualified model rather than a non-qualified model will save an average of $50 a year on utility bills. Over the life of the new washer, that means enough savings to pay for the matching dryer.

Room Air Conditioners
Air conditioner rebates: $25, but will be assessed based on demand and effectiveness. ENERGY STAR qualified room air conditioners use at least 10 percent less energy than conventional mode.

How does the SEU's Energize Delaware program make a difference for our economy and our environment?

The Sustainable Energy Utility’s Energize Delaware program was established to help participating residents and businesses cut waste and save on their energy bills, generate in-state jobs and improve the environment. These efforts are expected to achieve our ambitious goals for program participants of a 30 percent reduction in energy consumption by 2015, cut state CO2 emissions by 33 percent by 2020 – the largest carbon dioxide reduction of any Delaware policy – and create thousands of new jobs. 

Since we’ve launched SEU’s Energize Delaware, our rebate program has provided thousands of rebates for state residents, as well as significant savings – hundreds of thousands of kilowatt hours per year, more than $150,000 per year, and more than 1.7 million pounds worth of carbon dioxide emissions.

In addition, through our commercial lighting program, we are providing a range of rebate amounts for businesses that install new high-efficiency lighting. The response thus far has been encouraging.

In January 2010, Gov. Markell announced that state government would partner with the SEU through our Performance Contracting Program to retrofit older, inefficient state buildings with upgrades to heating, air conditioning, lighting, electricity and water systems that will lock in long-term savings. The effort will support $25-35 million in upgrades and is expected to create hundreds of jobs.
 

Who can I call or email if I have more questions?

For general questions or information regarding the Appliance Rebate Program or other programs you may call 877-624-4448 to speak with an Energize Delaware representative or email us through our online feedback form. 

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