Appliance rebate program reopens, but funds gone within hours

Remember the appliance rebate program that was so popular when it launched this spring that consumers snatched up the $5 million in funds within 24 hours, relegating nearly 10,000 state residents to a wait-list? It was reopened and closed again within the span of one morning.

November 17, 2010 at 9:25PM

Remember the appliance rebate program that was so popular when it launched this spring that consumers snatched up the $5 million in funds within 24 hours, relegating nearly 10,000 state residents to a wait-list?

The Minnesota Department of Commerce reopened the program on Wednesday, announcing that there was still $717,000 in rebate funds available. Turns out that despite the clamor, not everyone who reserved a rebate sent in the paperwork to claim it.

But by mid-morning, those funds had already been reserved, guaranteeing to frustrate more shopppers who had hoped to participate. However, consumers are being encouraged to get on a new wait list just in case the $717,000 in reserved funds aren't ultimately redeemed.

The rebates range from $100 to a freezer to $200 for a clothes washer. Appliances must be Energy Star rated. The wait list will be open to anyone who purchased a qualifying appliance on March 1, 2010 or later. Appliances must be purchased before applying for the wait list. Visit www.mnappliancerebate.com or call 1-877-230-9119 for more information.

It's worth mentioning that this isn't the only energy-related rebate out there.

If you're in the market for funds, check out the

Energystar.gov .Both list appliance rebates from Xcel Energy.


about the writer

about the writer

kablog