December 31, 2016 will be the last day to purchase a high-efficiency clothes washer in order to be an eligible applicant for the High-Efficiency Clothes Washer Rebate Program.
The program is co-administered by the Santa Clara Valley Water District and PG&E and offers a rebate of up to $150 for the purchase of a qualifying high-efficiency clothes washer.
In order to be eligible, participants must apply for the rebate within 60 days of purchase date, which must be no later than Dec. 31, 2016. Although applications must be submitted directly to PG&E, participants without a PG&E account can still qualify for a $100 rebate amount provided by the water district. Funds are limited and rebates are available on a first come, first served basis. To apply click here.
The water district has had a high-efficiency washer rebate program for over 20 years, since July 1995. Efficiency standards for the federal Energy Star program have vastly improved over the years. High-efficiency clothes washers from 20 years ago used 35 gallons per cycle compared to the 12-20 gallons used in high-efficiency clothes washers today. Today a majority of washers on the market are much more efficient than past models. In just the last three years, qualifying clothes washers use 29 percent less water. With improved standards and omnipresent water-saving appliances, the program has run its course.
As the program comes to an end, the water district is considering investing in other long-term conservation programs such as rebates for irrigation equipment upgrades or graywater laundry to landscape conversions. Residents who are not able to apply for the high-efficiency clothes washer rebate before it is discontinued can still conserve water by connecting a clothes washer to a graywater irrigation system. To learn more about all of the district’s rebate programs, click here.
The water district is hosting a series of graywater laundry to landscape workshops beginning in the spring. Click here to see our regularly updated list of events and workshops throughout Santa Clara County.
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Valley Water News 