Virginia will use federal stimulus funds to reward energy-conserving consumers

Virginia will use nearly $50 million in federal stimulus funds to reward energy-conserving consumers, businesses and localities with rebates on purchases of efficient appliances and alternative fuel choices.

Gov. Timothy M. Kaine yesterday announced allocation of the funding in the following areas:

• $15 million for the Virginia Energy Efficiency Rebate Program, which will provide rebates of up to 20 percent on purchases of efficient products and equipment purchased after June 25.

• $15 million for the Renewable Energy Rebate Program, which will provide rebates to Virginians who install renewable energy products, such as solar panels or wind generation systems purchased after June 25.

• $10 million, available to individuals or localities, for projects that convert biomass and waste into energy.

The funds are available on a first-come, first-served basis.

Kaine also said $9.7 million in Energy Efficiency and Conservation Block Grants will be available to conduct energy efficiency audits of homes and commercial buildings and to pursue other conservation and efficiency strategies.

Kaine this year announced $44.5 million in direct grants from the federal government to larger localities in the state.

"We would be in such dire straits in Virginia and in other parts of the country if that recovery act did not pass," Kaine told a group of environmental advocates, energy business executives and officials during a news conference announcing the rebates in Richmond.

From this Friday through Monday, Virginia also will hold its third annual sales-tax holiday on the purchase of Energy Star and WaterSense products.

Contact Jim Nolan at (804) 649-6061 or .