Dollars for Dishwashers
“Cash for Refrigerators” Incentive in the Works
New program will funnel stimulus dollars to buyers of ENERGY STAR applliances
Energy Secretary Steven Chu recently announced a plan to make $300 million in federal stimulus funding to a “cash for refrigerators” incentive modeled after the “cash for clunkers” program that recently ended. Full details are not yet available, but the goal is to stimulate appliance sales and reduce household energy consumption by providing rebates ranging from $50 to $200 for buyers of ENERGY STAR refrigerators, washing machines, dishwashers and other appliances.
Commenting on the program for Examiner.com, writer Lisa Carey points out the following pros and cons of encouraging Americans to replace old appliances:
Pros of the Cash for Refrigerators Program
Rebates may make the purchase of new Energy Star appliances more feasible, even in some cases helping to avoid going into debt.
The use of more Energy Star energy efficient home appliances can help with more than the environment but also provide for long lasting savings in electric, gas and water usage bills.
Cons of the Cash for Refrigerators Program
Are people going to be spending money they really can’t afford to spend? Will they be going into debt just to get the rebate and make the purchase?
What happens to the “trash” appliances that are no longer in use? Will the government find a way to recycle them or help people dispose of them responsibly or will they like our Cash for Clunkers cars be simply that much more trash?
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