REBATE FOR \"GREEN\" APPLIANCES PROVES A BIG SUCCESS

Released on October 1, 2004

Saskatchewan consumers have more than half a million dollars back in their pockets thanks to a rebate program for energy-efficient household appliances.

Last October, the government introduced a program which enabled people who purchase qualifying Energy Star-compliant appliances to apply for a rebate of the Provincial Sales Tax (PST).

"The rebate program exceeded our expectations," Finance Minister Harry Van Mulligen said. "We expected to receive about 2,000 applications. In just under a year, we've already paid more than 10,000 people rebates worth $731,000."

The Department of Finance partnered with the Office of Energy Conservation in promoting awareness of the rebate program. The program was created to support the government's strategy to build a green and prosperous economy. By offering a rebate, the program encourages consumers to choose eligible energy-efficient appliances. These include fridges, freezers, dishwashers and clothes washers. Energy Star appliances are typically 20 to 50 per cent more energy-efficient than standard appliances.

Saskatchewan people have purchased nearly 12,000 energy-efficient qualifying appliances so far, which will help reduce their collective energy bills by approximately $300,000 over the next year. These appliances will also reduce carbon dioxide emissions by more than 3,000 tonnes annually.

"It's a win-win situation," Environment Minister David Forbes. "We're enabling Saskatchewan families to protect the environment while saving money for themselves and for the province. The amount of energy saved annually with the appliances already purchased under the program is more than the amount of electricity generated by one of the wind turbines at the Cypress Wind Power facility near Gull Lake. It takes more than 2,300 tonnes of Saskatchewan coal to generate that much electricity. I'm delighted that people have responded so well to the program."

Energy Star appliances purchased on or after October 1st, 2003 are eligible for the program. Energy Star rebate application forms are available at all Saskatchewan appliance dealers and department stores that sell appliances, as well as on the Department of Finance website at www.gov.sk.ca/finance/formsall.htm.

Information is also available by calling Finance at 1-800-667-6102 or 787-6645 in Regina.

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For More Information, Contact:

Terry White Office of Energy Conservation Regina Phone: (306) 787-9381 Cell: (306) 537-0902 Office of Energy Conservation Hotline Phone: 1-800-668-4636