House Republican Press Release

August 19, 2008

Press Office: 860-240-8700

GREENWICH DELEGATION: ANNOUNCE HOTLINE FOR FURNACE REBATE PROGRAM

GREENWICH- State Representatives Livvy Floren, Lile Gibbons and Dolly Powers are reminding Greenwich residents that they may call a toll free hotline to receive information about the state’s new furnace rebate program.

The furnace rebate hotline is 1-866-940-4676.  Residents who leave their name, mailing address and phone number will be mailed program application materials.

The State Bond Commission recently authorized $5 million for a program to provide rebates of up to $500 for homeowners who replace their furnaces with more efficient models.  The furnace rebate program applies to homes and apartment buildings with four units or less.  Replacement furnaces fueled by natural gas must be Energy Star-rated, while oil and propane equipment must be at least 84 percent efficient. The amount of the rebates varies depending on the income of the homeowner.

“Connecticut should do everything feasible to promote energy efficient appliances. Creating this incentive for homeowners is good public policy,” Rep. Livvy Floren said.

“As residents began to think about their home-heating budgets for the winter, this new furnace rebate program promotes energy efficiency improvements, adds value to homes and helps conserve resources – all benefits for Greenwich consumers and our state,” added Rep. Lile Gibbons, who is a member of the General Assembly’s Energy and Technology Committee.

“As energy prices keep skyrocketing, consumers need every break possible, and this furnace rebate program is a step in the right direction,” said Rep. Dolly Powers.

The rebate program, which will be administered by the Office of Policy and Management, is authorized under energy legislation the Greenwich Delegation voted into law in 2007. The application is also available on the Office of Policy and Management website: http://www.ct.gov/opm/cwp/view.asp?a=2994&q=420476&opmNav_GID=1808.