The state of Oregon still has funding to help low-income Oregon homeowners replace old appliances, according to Oregon Housing and Community Services, the state agency that runs the Appliance Rebate Program and LIHEAP.
Oregonians who own their own homes and earn less than 60 percent of the state’s median income (also the income maximum for LIHEAP) may qualify. That's $1,860 a month for a single person or $3,577 a month for a family of four. The eligible appliances include ENERGY STAR water heaters, refrigerators, dishwashers and clothes washers. The rebates range from $400 to $2,000, depending on the appliance.
Homeowners who meet the income requirements and qualify for a voucher must purchase and pay for eligible ENERGY STAR appliances using a certified contractor. They then redeem the vouchers for 70 percent of the purchase price, up to a specified maximum. Old appliances must be legally recycled in order to receive rebate funds.
Oregon received $3.6 million in federal stimulus funds late last year to operate the program, which initially included only ENERGY STAR heat pumps or furnaces. In July it was expanded to other appliances. As of early this month, the state had spent only 15 percent of the program funding.
For more information, www.oregon.gov/ohcs, or call 1-800-453- 5511.
Source: Oregon HCS
