High-Efficiency Clothes Washer Rebates Increased by 50 Percent
March 12, 2010
San Diego County residents can take advantage of an increased rebate on the purchase of high-efficiency clothes washers (HEW) beginning…
San Diego County residents can take advantage of an increased rebate on the purchase of high-efficiency clothes washers (HEW) beginning March 15, the San Diego County Water Authority announced today. The Metropolitan Water District of Southern California (MWD) will increase the current HEW $100 rebate to $150 for approved models with a grant from the state Department of Water Resources. MWD and San Diego Gas & Electric each provide $50 of the current rebate.
The additional financial incentive is designed to encourage customers to purchase a high-efficiency clothes washer instead of a less efficient standard top-loading models. HEWs use 65 percent less water and 55 percent less energy. According to the San Diego County Water Authority conservation website, www.20gallonchallenge.com, a HEW can save 20 to 30 gallons of water per load compared to standard top-loaders. In addition, they clean better, use less detergent, are gentler on clothes and significantly reduce drying time saving additional energy.
A list of eligible HEWs is available on the MWD SoCal WaterSmart website at socalwatersmart.com or by calling 1-888-376-3314. Four local San Diego County water agencies also supplement the MWD rebate with additional funds: Otay Water District, Rainbow Municipal Water District, Ramona Municipal Water District, and Santa Fe Irrigation District. San Diego County consumers in these water districts are encouraged to check with their water provider regarding the availability of additional HEW rebates.
Starting April 22, the California Energy Commission will offer the California Cash for Appliances rebate program providing additional cash incentives to consumers purchasing HEWs and other high-efficiency appliances. The program is separate and unrelated to the MWD SoCal WaterSmart program and has different criteria for the purchase of new HEWs and the disposal of old washers. The state has indicated that the California Cash for Appliances rebates can be combined with regional rebates. More information on this program is available at www.cash4appliances.org or at: http://www.energy.ca.gov/releases/2010_releases/2010-03-09_cash4appliancesPrgm_main-release.html
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