Oregon Public Broadcasting

Oregon is revamping a program that uses stimulus dollars to help some lower-income families cut their energy costs.

Last winter, the state offered a 70-percent rebate to homeowners who replaced old furnaces with new energy efficient models.  But few people buy furnaces in the summer. And the program still has $2 million to hand out.

So the state has expanded the list of appliances that qualify. Families can get a rebate for efficient water heaters, refrigerators, dishwashers, and washing machines.

David Kaufman is with Oregon Housing and Community Services. He says participants have to recycle their old appliances properly. Selling them online doesn't count.

David Kaufman: "The other goal is to get them off the market. Not to have them put into the garage or have them sold on craigslist. We want them off the market."

Only homeowners can apply for the rebate. And the program is for people who make less than 60 percent of the average income in the state.

On the Web:

Appliance Rebate Program