July 16, 2009: U.S. Senators Carl Levin (D-MI) and Debbie Stabenow (D-MI) announced that the state of Michigan has been provided $9,597,969 for rebates to Michigan residents who purchase energy-efficient appliances.

The funding, awarded by the U.S. Department of Energy through the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA), will be made available to consumers purchasing qualified residential ENERGY STAR appliances.

“Michigan families will be able to recognize immediate savings on new appliances and long-term energy cost savings,” Levin said. “These recovery act funds will have a positive impact on the economy and the environment.”

“The benefits of this federally funded rebate are twofold,” Stabenow said.  “Not only will these rebates help stimulate our economy through the purchasing of energy efficient appliances but these rebates will also help reduce our electricity consumption—cutting energy costs for households.”

The funds, part of nearly $300 million made available nationally, will be administered through the Michigan Department of Energy, Labor & Economic Growth. The department will form a plan to administer the rebates by August 15, 2009, and will determine the amount of individual rebates. The federally approved eligible appliances include boilers, central air conditioners, clothes washers, dishwashers, freezers, furnaces (oil and gas), heat pumps, refrigerators, room air conditioners and water heaters.

The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act was passed by Congress and signed by President Barack Obama in February. It is designed to revitalize the economy and create jobs for millions of Americans.

The ENERGY STAR program is a joint program of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and the U.S. Department of Energy.

For more information, visit energy.gov/recovery and energystar.gov.