Owner of the Sears dealer store in Show low Tim Hoye tells The Independent he felt the first government sponsored rebate program launched in April was a good incentive for consumers, but that perhaps it could have been managed a little better. He said last time things went OK, but they could have gone better in his opinion.
     He says he feels that because consumers snatched up all of the "coupons" to participate in the first round of rebates within about 4 hours it did not allow enough time for everyone who might have been interested to get in on the deals.
     "Hopefully this time will be better," Hoye relates.
     He notes that during the first government sponsored rebate program there were "no guarantees" anyone would get one of the "coupons" and the same holds true this time, it being first-come, first-served.
     According to ADC the simplified program should accomplish what Hoye is looking for because it is largely based on feedback and requests from Arizonans who participated in the first program. Representatives with Home Depot in Show Low also say the first one was a little short on time, but they are also hopeful more time will be allowed in this second round.
     "The April program was a success, we had significant volume and completed all rebate reservations in just over three and a-half hours. However, follow-through on purchases was more on par with traditional manufacturer rebates ... weak," said Senior Director of the Arizona Department of Commerce Energy Office Grady Bailey.
     He notes that not only is this another opportunity for Arizona consumers to save money on new appliance purchases, it also comes with some significant differences and a new group of qualifying appliances. First of all no reservations will be required with the new program.
     Starting on the first of July, Arizonans will be able to check www.ArizonaRebates.com for available funds, then select and make their purchase of a qualified appliance. After that is just a matter of completing an online rebate program application for printing / mailing in for the rebate.
     Secondly, the new appliances covered in this second round include Energy Star rated refrigerators, freezers, room air conditioners, and solar hot water heaters, all considered to be in line with "green" thinking. Information and criteria for the new, eligible appliances can be found at www.azcommerce.com/energy/rebate.
     "The selected appliances reflect requests that came in to the Commerce Energy Office following the launch of the first program. You asked, we listened," said Bailey.
     He said funding for the $6.2 million appliance rebate program comes from the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA) of 2009. Bailey said the program is designed to help consumers make the switch to Energy Star appliances which are generally 15-50 percent more efficient than standard appliances.
     Rebates only apply to purchases of qualified Energy Star products within the appliance categories. Complete guidelines will be available after July 1 at www.ArizonaRebates.com .
     Bailey adds that along with the Arizona Appliance Rebate rebate program savings, additional consumer incentives are available through many manufacturers, retailers and utility companies.

 

 

*Reach the reporter at mleiby@wmicentral.com