West Virginia residents have a limited window to simultaneously take advantage of two state programs aimed at saving consumers money and protecting the environment. Currently, state consumers can benefit from both the West Virginia Energy Efficient Appliance Rebate Program and the West Virginia ENERGY STAR® Sales Tax Holiday.
Administered by the state Department of Environmental Protection, the Appliance Rebate Program kicked off in June and has already used up nearly half its rebate funds. It offers mail-in rebates to consumers to help them replace older, inefficient clothes washers, dishwashers, refrigerators, freezers and room air conditioners with ENERGY STAR-qualified appliances.
To qualify for rebates, consumers must be West Virginia residents, purchase appliances from participating West Virginia retailers and certify on the rebate application that the new appliance is replacing an existing appliance. Participating retailers have agreed to take old appliances out of service and recycle them.
The Appliance Rebate Program is being funded with federal stimulus money through the U.S. Department of Energy. A total of $1.6 million has been dedicated to West Virginia’s rebate program, which will run through February 2012 or until funds are depleted. Through September 13, 2010, the number of rebate applications stood at 9,479 and totaled $761,330.
At the same time they’re taking advantage of rebates as high as $100 for an ENERGY STAR-qualified refrigerator, consumers can also benefit from the state Sales Tax Holiday on the same appliance. Under the West Virginia State Tax Department’s Sales Tax Holiday, which began on Sept. 1 and runs through Nov. 30, state residents will not have to pay West Virginia’s 6 percent sales and use tax on certain ENERGY STAR-qualified products that cost $5,000 or less and are for non-commercial, home or personal use. During the first week of the Sales Tax Holiday, consumers applied for 1,014 rebates totaling $82,360 under the Appliance Rebate Program.
“I hope people take advantage of the Sales Tax Holiday and the Appliance Rebate Program,” DEP Sustainability Officer Greg Adolfson said. “West Virginia consumers can buy an ENERGY STAR- qualified appliance, receive a rebate of up to $100, and save the 6 percent sales tax. Now, that’s a deal!”
For more information about the Appliance Rebate Program call 877-355-9153 or visit: www.wvappliancerebate.com. For more information about the Sales Tax Holiday call 800-982-8297 or visit: www.wvtax.gov.