April 21, 2010 — The Oklahoma Energy Efficient Appliance Rebate Program begins Thursday for retailers in conjunction with Earth Day, while Oklahoma residents can begin purchasing Energy Star appliances on May 8 at 9 a.m.
Vaughn Clark, Director of Community Development for the Oklahoma Department of Commerce, said TMR, based in Medina, OH, will be the state’s rebate program administrator.
Oklahoma appliance retailers as well as HVAC contractors and installers who sell qualifying equipment will begin online enrollment starting at noon, April 22. They will access the system via the Commerce appliance rebate website at www.OKcommerce.gov/appliances. During the enrollment process, retailers will indicate which eligible appliances they sell, which in turn will provide consumers with an easy way to find participating retailers by zip code or by appliance type. The enrollment process also reduces opportunity for fraud.
“The plan we have developed is the best plan for Oklahoma citizens, ” Clark said. “We’ve seen several states experience significant problems when consumers are responsible for reserving their own rebates, and in Oklahoma, we are determined to not let that happen. So we are taking every step to ensure a successful program for both retailers and Oklahoma residents.”
He said enrolling and educating retailers in the rebate program will alleviate many of the problems other states have experienced.
Pete Howe, CEO of TMR Inc, said the Oklahoma plan is retailer-focused and rebate applications will be handled at the point of sale. Howe said all participating vendors will be able to see real-time accounting of the state’s first come, first serve rebates.
Clark said there are no forms to fill out ahead of time. Consumers can simply show up at the retailer of their choice starting at 9 a.m., May 8 and complete their purchase and rebate application process in one visit. The process is designed to avoid an Oklahoman purchasing an appliance and finding out later they will not get a rebate. Retailers will be able to tell on-the-spot if a rebate is available.
For more information, visit appliancerebate.