North Carolina residents will have a chance to save money and conserve energy at the same time this weekend. The State of North Carolina is offering a 15 percent instant rebate to all North Carolina residents who replace an appliance with the purchase of a new Energy Star qualified clothes washer, dishwasher, refrigerator or freezer from a participating North Carolina retailer through Sunday.

The federal American Recovery and Reinvestment Act provided $8.8 million to the North Carolina State Energy Office through the U.S. Department of Energy.

Lowe’s Home Improvement on E. Broad Ave. Rockingham is one of teh stores participating this weekend.

“We are a part of the program, just like any other major appliance chain,” Tyson said. “This is the first year for the program in North Carolina. “All stores have increased inventory and staffing for the event.”

Progress Energy has a program going on as well for its customers that began last month.

“The Progress Energy Recycling Program is to encourage customers on recycling less efficient appliances,” said Jeff Brooks, a spokesman for Progress Energy. “You can take advantage of this offer without actually making a purchase. Getting rid of the older appliances will decrease power usage. Instead of transferring them from a controlled space such as the kitchen to an uncontrolled space like the garage which will increase power usage.”

The energy savings can be significant. For example, a new E-rated refrigerator uses half the electricity that the same size refrigerator built before 1995 uses.

By replacing older, conventional appliances with new Energy Star appliances, enough electricity could be saved to power 536 homes for a year. Natural gas savings will serve 390 homes for a year. Depending on available funds, the State of North Carolina will also launch a mail-in rebate program June 1 on Energy Star-qualified residential gas storage water heaters, tankless gas water heaters, central air conditioners, heat pumps and gas furnaces as well as clothes washers, dishwashers, refrigerators and freezers. Additional details will be posted at www.NCApplianceRebate.com in May. A list of all participating retailers can be also be found on energync.net.

According to the Web site energync.net there are certain qualifications:

The following criteria must be met in order to qualify for the 15 percent instant rebate:

The rebate applies to all Energy Star qualified Clothes Washers, Dishwashers, Refrigerators and Freezers. Look for the Energy Star logo on the product or check www.energystar.gov for qualified models. The appliance must be new. Refurbished or used appliances do not qualify.

Purchase must be made April 22-25. Rebates will only be offered while funds are available. Backorders and layaway do not qualify unless payment is made in full to the retailer during these dates.

Purchases must be made from a registered North Carolina appliance retailer. Online purchases do not qualify. A list of approved appliance retailers can be found on www.NCApplianceRebate.com.

Customer must be a North Carolina resident. Proof of address such as a Drivers License or a current utility bill will be required.

Rebates are limited to one per customer per product category. For example, you are eligible to receive a rebate on a refrigerator and a dishwasher, but not two refrigerators

This is an appliance replacement program; therefore your new appliance must replace an existing appliance of the same type. Retailers must haul away and/or recycle your old appliance, or you must certify to the retailer that you are replacing an existing appliance and disposing of it properly on your own.

The retailer will collect the following information from you at the time of purchase: Name, address, phone number, e-mail and electric utility.

“We are trying to educate our customers on the lifetime savings and environmental benefits of recycling,” said Brooks. “Progress Energy is offering free pick-up and recycling and a $50 incentive per appliance up to two a year. To be a part of the Progress Energy Program you have to be a Progress Energy customer. If a fridge is more than nine years old, chances are that it will use more power to operate, than an energy efficient appliance.”

Bobby’s Furniture in Hamlet will not be participate in the Cash for Clunkers Program, according to a company spokesman.

Hollie Nivens can be reached at 910-997-3111 ext. 19 or by e-mailing hnivens@yourdailyjournal.com.