By Dave Davies, Texas Public Radio
http://stream.publicbroadcasting.net/production/mp3/kera/local-kera-894634.mp3
Dallas, TX –
Texans have a chance to save some money while saving electricity and water. On Wednesday the window opens to reserve your place in the Texas Trade Up - Appliance Rebate Program. Texas Public Radio's David Martin Davies reports.
The rebates apply to energy-star refrigerators, freezers, central air conditioners and window units, heat pumps, water heaters, clothes washers and dishwashers. R.J. DeSilva is a spokesperson for the Texas Comptrollers Office.
R.J. DeSilva: People would first have to get on the reservation list or the wait list for a rebate. That starts at 7 a.m. on Wednesday April 7. People can either call a 1-800 number or go through the online reservation system - and once if you do get a guaranteed reservation or put on the wait list then the purchase period for the appliances begins on April 16.
The number to call is 877-780-3039. Consumers can save hundreds of dollars, depending on the type of appliance. But DeSilva says if you want to get in on the rebate, don't wait too long.
R.J. DeSilva: There's certainly been high interest in the several months leading up to the implementation or this program and getting everything in place. There's been high consumer demand. Certainly there's an indication that there's a lot of Texans interested in energy saving and getting these types of appliances, so we do expect these to go quickly.
The funds for the Texas Trade-Up came from the Federal Stimulus, which provided Texas with 23 million dollars to administer and implement the program.
David Martin Davies Texas Public Radio News.
For more information, visit www.texaspowerfulsmart.org.