SACRAMENTO BEE - Cash for Appliances Likely to Draw Crowds to Stores in California

California´s Cash for Appliances program appears to be off to a strong start, but the first big test for retailers is likely to occur today when weekend buyers are expected to hit stores in big numbers.

By early next week, consumers and appliance sellers will get their first clue on just how long California´s rebate money is going to hold up.

"Anecdotally, retailers are experiencing more sales than they´ve seen in a long time," said Amy Morgan, a spokeswoman for the California Energy Commission, which designed the state´s program and is now administering it. "We´re already hearing things like it´s Black Friday in April."

California´s Cash for Appliances program is stoked with $35.2 million in federal stimulus funds.  On Thursday, the state began offering consumers mail-in rebates to swap their old refrigerators, washers and air conditioners for more energy-efficient models.

Rebates on approved Energy Star appliances are $200 for a refrigerator, $100 for a washer and up to $50 for a room air conditioner.

Through Friday afternoon, retailers from the San Fernando Valley to the Bay Area to the Sacramento region were reporting strong consumer traffic.

Most local appliance sellers characterized the buyer activity as vigorous but polite – nothing like the rush-the-doors crowds sometimes seen the day after Thanksgiving.

"We were open at 6 a.m. (Thursday) and we already had two (washers) sold before 7 a.m.," said Kip Armstrong, manager of Home Depot on Truxel Road in Sacramento. "I think it´s going to pick up momentum as we go into thew eekend."Armstrong noted that in the rebates, the store is offering 10 percent off on qualified Energy Star appliances and promoting additional local rebates. Other retailers are offering similar deals.

Local Sears stores opened at 6 a.m. Thursday and Friday, and will do so again today.  Lowe´s offers 10 percent off Energy Star appliances and rolled out Cash for Appliances specific print and TV ads.

Filco on Fulton Avenue in Sacramento is offering discounted appliances in conjunction with Cash for Appliances through Sunday.

RC Willey in Rocklin offers "bonus rebates" and store gift cards as part of its program. At the store, Roseville resident Maggie Smith said "the deals are great, but it´s not too crazy in the store. It´s like Christmas … but it´s more civilized."

Some shoppers were out getting answers before buying.

At Sears in the Sunrise Mall in Citrus Heights, local resident Elizabeth Martin said she was hoping "to get a rebate on a new freezer I need, but that´s not part of the deal. Then, I learned that a certain brand of refrigerator I want is on the (Cash for Appliances) list, so now we can do that."

So far, California is not experiencing the problems seen in Texas earlier this month when consumers reserving rebates overwhelmed websites and phone lines. Texas burned through its allotted $23 million in hours, angering many consumers who missed out.

California opted for a mail-in rebate and to focus on three popular appliances, aiming to spread things out.

Still, given California´s enormous population, the Energy Commission´s Morgan cautioned:  "Speed is of the essence, so we´re advising (consumers) to shop now and take advantage of these rebates."

By Monday, she said the commission plans to have a "status tracker" on the www.cash4appliances.org website, designed to keep a running tab of how much rebate money remains.

Some local shoppers expressed concern that the state may run out of federal rebate money by the time they make their purchases. Morgan said there appears to be enough money to keep the program running at least into the middle of next week. A clearer picture should emerge Monday.

The program has not been free of glitches. Customers complained that brands on the state´s approved list were not available at some stores. Morgan confirmed that, but said dozens of brands are on the list. She urged consumers to shop multiple outlets if they want a specific brand/model.

CASH FOR APPLIANCES: HOW IT WORKS

California is offering rebates to consumers who replace old clothes washers, refrigerators and air conditioners with more energy-efficient ones. The program started Thursday and is scheduled to run through May 23, or until funds are used up. Here´s how the process works:

Buy an approved Energy Star-rated refrigerator, washer or room air conditioner from a "platinum" or "full service" partner store in the state´s program, or at other stores.

Partner stores include Best Buy, Home Depot, Lowe´s and Sears. Consumers can purchase from non-partner retailers, but state officials say some may not provide all the services offered by official partners, and they might charge you for hauling away the old appliance.

You must recycle your old appliance with a state-certified recycler, a partner or a utility.

Fill out a rebate form; obtain a signed recycling form from a certified recycler, partner or utility; obtain the UPC code or yellow Energy Guide sticker off the new appliance; obtain a copy of the receipt from the new purchase; and make a copy of your utility bill.

Mail these items to a designated address to obtain a rebate. Rebates are $200 for a refrigerator, $100 for a washer and up to $50 for a room air conditioner.

To see a complete list of California Cash for Appliances program partners and appliances eligible for rebates, or to obtain more information, visit www.cash4appliances.org. Consumers can also call (888) 390-4034 for more details.  Source: California Energy Commission.