Frequently Asked Questions about the Virginia Energy Efficient Appliance Rebate Program
I’ve heard about the federal stimulus rebates for appliances from the Virginia DMME. What is this all about?
As part of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA), the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) provided nearly $300 million for states to set up appliance rebate programs to promote energy efficiency. Virginia’s allocation is $7.45 million. Beginning April 28th, Virginia’s Energy Efficient Appliance Rebate Program will offer Virginians rebates on certain ENERGY STAR qualified appliances, including select natural gas appliances
Does the stimulus money from the DMME give me a rebate in addition to the energySMART rebate amounts?
No. The stimulus money will be included in our customer rebates for as long as the federal money is available. This will allow Virginia Natural Gas to offer rebates to more customers than otherwise would be possible. The rebate amounts available to our customers will remain the same, both when the federal money is included and once the federal funds all are spent. The total amounts for specific appliances are listed below:
- $500 on a high-efficiency natural gas furnace (90%+ AFUE)
- $500 on a high-efficiency tankless water heater (.82+ EF)
- $150 on a tank style water heater (.62+ EF)
Why don’t you add the DMME rebates on top of your existing rebates?
The State of Virginia determined that the most effective use of the stimulus funds was to extend the number of rebates offered through natural gas utilities rather than increasing the amount. This will make the rebates available to more customers. Our program will last longer into the year and help more customers become more energy efficient with the help of rebates. Also, the rebate amounts offered by Virginia Natural Gas already are more generous than the stimulus rebates that are administered by DMME.
I’ve heard that the DMME rebates need to be reserved. Can I reserve a rebate from Virginia Natural Gas?
No. Virginia Natural Gas cannot accept reservations for rebates. Customers must have purchased and installed their new appliance before applying for Virginia Natural Gas rebates. You do not need to have reserved a rebate through DMME to receive the energySMART rebates.
How do I get my rebates from DMME?
You don’t have to do it; we’ll do it for you. All natural gas appliances eligible through Virginia DMME funding for gas appliance rebates will be distributed through Virginia Natural Gas to customers. All you need to do is apply through the energySMART rebate site once you have purchased and installed your new qualified appliance.
How can a rebate process be fair to all Virginians if it is different for some Virginians - such as having a reservation for some and requiring purchase first for others?
The key is to make sure that the federal dollars are fairly apportioned by population throughout the state. DMME divided the money among utility partners and to the rest of the state in regions based on the population served by each organization that administers rebates in that region. There is an equal amount of federal money on a per person basis everywhere in the state. Each region has a level playing field, because a rebate is administered the same way for everyone in the region.
When do these rebates expire?
First come, first served until the funds are exhausted.
Is there a limit to the number of rebates I can get?
There is no limit on number of appliances you can get through the energySMART program; however there is a $2,500 annual household limit on total dollars rebated.
“Who can I email or contact for information on the “stimulus” or DMME program if I have more questions?”
Contact them at faqappliance@dmme.virginia.gov