San Diego Gas & Electric and the California Energy Commission are offering San Diego County residents rebates for trading in old appliances for new energy-efficient models.
The California Cash for Appliances rebate program provides cash rebates to people that replace and recycle existing appliances with new, qualified energy-efficient models.
April Bolduc with SDG&E says the state rebates are offered on a first-come, first-served basis until the money is gone.
"For example, a $200 rebate for an eligible refrigerator, $150 for an efficient clothes washer, $50 for a room air conditioner," said Bolduc.
She said the state rebates can be combined with SDG&E rebates.
Bolduc said the utility currently offers customers $50 to recycle an older, working refrigerator or freezer and $25 to replace a working room air conditioner.
She said a new ENERGY STAR® qualified refrigerator, for example, will use 50 percent less energy as those made in the 1990s, and 80 percent less energy than those made in the 1970s.
The California Cash for Appliances website lists eligible appliances and participating retailers.
Bolduc said consumers should look for "California Cash For Appliances" stickers in local stores.
Funding for the state program comes from federal stimulus money.
