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Promotegreenbiz.org provides information to help promote green business. If you have any comments or questions, feel free to email us Kenvic@gmail.comCash For Caulkers Rebates: Obama Announces $6 Billion For Homestar Program
DARLENE SUPERVILLE | 03/ 2/10 09:06 PM
SAVANNAH, Ga. — Sounding a familiar clean-energy theme, President Barack Obama on Tuesday announced details of a proposed energy rebate program he hopes will spur demand for insulation and water heaters – and jobs for hurting Americans.
Obama said the administration's "HOMESTAR" program would reward people who buy energy-saving equipment with an on-the-spot rebate of $1,000 or more. He cast the idea as one that would save people money on utility bills, boost the economy and reduce American dependence on oil.
The plan would take the approval of Congress.
The administration is hoping the energy rebate plan could become as popular as last year's Cash for Clunkers money-back program for autos. Consumers would collect immediate rebates for buying insulation, water heaters or other equipment to make their homes burn energy more efficiently.
Various vendors, ranging from small, independent contractors to national home improvement chains, would promote the rebates, give the money to consumers and then be reimbursed by the federal government.
Some details of the program, including how long it will run and its total cost, remain to be worked out with Congress, administration officials said.
The price tag could be in the range of $6 billion.
The latest proposal has two levels of rebates.
Under the first level of energy rebates, to be called Silver Star, consumers would be eligible for rebates between $1,000 and $1,500 for a variety of home upgrades, including adding insulation, sealing leaky ducts and replacing water heaters, HVAC units, windows, roofing and doors. There would be a maximum rebate of $3,000 per home.
Under the second level, Gold Star, consumers who get home energy audits and then make changes designed to reduce energy costs by at least 20 percent would be eligible for a $3,000 rebate. Additional rebates would be available for savings above 20 percent. If the program is enacted, the administration expects millions of households will boost demand for insulation, water heaters and the like – the same way consumers pumped up car and truck sales last year by trading in their gas-guzzling autos with more fuel-efficient models.
Associated Press writer Russ Bynum contributed to this report.
What can I do now?
While the legislation still needs to be finalized and make its way through Congress, there are many ways to immediately reduce your energy spending as well as numerous rebate programs currently in existence: on the State/Local level as well as directly from your Public Utility Company. Click here to find out what programs are available in your area.
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