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West Chicago, January 27, 2010, State Representative, Mike Fortner of the 95^th District said Illinois retailers have a golden opportunity to bring federal dollars to their businesses by enrolling in an energy-efficient appliance rebate program.

“Illinois appliance dealers should enroll as soon as possible,” said Representative Fortner, “This is new money that can be pumped directly into our state’s economy.  It should boost retail sales, grow sales tax revenue and put more money in consumer’s pockets.  But the federal funding is only helpful if we act to take advantage of it.”

The Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (DCEO) received over $12 million from the American Recover and Reinvestment Act of 2009 to boost appliance sales through an instant 15 percent rebate on qualified appliance purchases throughout Illinois.

Two separate programs will be held.  The first, beginning in January, will offer 25 percent rebates for Energy Star qualified hot water heaters only.  The second, from April 16-25, surrounding Earth Day, will offer 15 percent rebates on Energy Star-qualified clothes washers, dishwashers, freezers, refrigerators, and room air conditioners.  The rebates are for in-store purchase only no on-line sales are eligible.

Retailers will be encouraged to use DCEO-provided point-of-purchase materials to promote the program, although retailers will be permitted to use their own materials.

Enrolling in the program only requires retailers to complete a simple agreement listing all participating state locations.  Enrollment can be done online or by contacting the Illinois Retail Merchants Association at 312-726-4600.  The enrollment form, program requirements and other information is all available at www.helpgreenillinois.org.

Once the appliance rebate program begins, participating retailers will be required to report sales each day at the same website.  To receive payment on rebates, retailers must detail the make, model, purchase price, date purchased, the customer’s zip code, and submit monthly invoices to the DCEO.  Invoices will be paid within 30 days of receipt.

Customers will also be eligible for an additional $100 or $50 mail-in rebate from the state if they show proof their old appliance was recycled.  Recycling rebate forms will also be available on the program’s website.

Energy Star, a joint program of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and the U.S. Department of Energy, was created to save money and protect the environment through the use of energy-efficient products and practices.

For more information, retailers should visit www.helpgreenillinois.org or contact the Illinois Retail Merchants Association at 312-726-4600.