Most Idaho appliance rebate funds depleted

The Office of Energy Resources (OER) said Thursday that the Idaho Appliance Rebate Program has obligated more than 75 percent of the $1.2 million available for rebates. The program will end when funds are exhausted. Less than $300,000 is still available for rebates.

Idaho residents replacing older appliances with an eligible Energy Star appliance may qualify for a rebate through this program.

The Idaho Appliance Rebate Program is funded by the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act.

"If people have been waiting to buy a new appliance and get a rebate, they should act soon," OER Administrator Paul Kjellander said. "We anticipate that funds will be exhausted by the end of August, perhaps earlier."

Qualifying Energy Star products and their rebates are:

n Room air conditioners, $25

n Dishwashers, $50

n Clothes washers and refrigerators, $75

n Oil furnaces, $110

n Gas furnaces, $125

n Electric heat pump water heaters, gas storage water heaters, solar water heaters with electric or gas backup, $150

n Gas boilers, $200

n Air source heat pumps, including ductless, $250

n Oil boilers, $300

More than 3,600 rebates have been issued through the program. The most popular appliances sold throughout the program have been clothes washers, refrigerators and dishwashers. The Energy Star program (www.energystar.gov) estimates that upgrading to an Energy Star appliance can save a family between $40 and $135 a year.

Real-time updates of remaining funds, the list of eligible appliances, instructions for obtaining a rebate, and the program rules can be found at www.energy.idaho.gov or by calling (877) 223-6975.

Agents named to accountant association

New officers have been elected by nearly 200 members of the IAPA to serve on the board of directors for the Idaho Association of Public Accountants for the 2010-2011 fiscal year. The new officers and directors were installed by Robert Cross, president of the National Society of Accountants during the closing banquet of the annual bi-state convention with the Oregon Association of Independent Accountants and the Idaho Association of Public Accountants held in Lincoln City, Ore., on June 18.

Officers from North Idaho elected for one-year terms are Jane Kuetemeyer, CPA, Hayden, second vice president and Wilma Christensen, EA, ABA, ATP, ATA, Harrison, named IAPA District I director.

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