<div id="subtitle">Federal 'Cash for clunker' appliance rebate program coming to Montana next spring</div><div><p>A federal program offering rebates for energy saving major appliances is coming to Montana next spring.</p><p>The state's share of the $300 million national program is $928,000, which is enough for about 9,700 rebates. The state plans to pay $100 for new refrigerators and washing machines, $70 for freezers and $50 for dishwashers. The new purchases must be "Energy Star" rated.</p><p>"I think it's a great recovery act program for the average consumer, and will be stimulative to the industry, too," said Brian Green, energy program manager for the Department of Environmental Quality. "It's a good program for consumers to make their homes more energy efficient."</p><p>A few states have already launched their "Cash for Appliances" programs. Montana will solicit bids in January for a contractor, such as a rebate-fulfillment firm, to run the program, Green said.</p><p>"We'd like to have been able to offer it sooner, but it just takes time to get the plan approved and do the solicitation for the rebate contractor," he said.</p><p>The rebate program should begin in April.</p><p>The plan is targeted to consumers, and not for appliances used commercially or installed in new construction.</p><p>The state rebate would be in addition to any utility company rebates. Several co-ops, including Flathead, Yellowstone and Ravalli have smaller appliance rebates.</p><img src="http://admatch-syndication.mochila.com/images/ad.gif?aid=65478378&bid=informcom" /></div><div id="copyright"><div>

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