Energy Star rebates available Saturday

At 12:01 a.m. Saturday, Nevadans will be able to apply for rebates of up to $200 to exchange old appliances -refrigerators, freezers, dishwashers and washing machines - for new, Energy Star-designated models.

While local retailers that sell Energy Star appliances are gearing up for a strong weekend of sales, the $2.3 million rebate program is expected to run out of funds by the end of Saturday, according to a spokeswoman for the Nevada State Office of Energy. In Texas, the rebates were snagged by people within four hours.

Rick Stoneman, owner of the Sears Hometown Store in Carson City, said his store will open at 6 a.m. on Saturday to what he expects will be a busy day. But he fears many may not understand that they have to apply for the rebate before coming to a store to use it.

"Customers are going to rush into the store because the rebate is a no-brainer," Stoneman said. "And that's the problem."

To get the rebate, Nevadans must visit www.nevadaappliancerebate.com or call 1-877-273-6213 starting at 12:01 a.m. Saturday. The rebates are good for one refrigerator, freezer, washing machine or dishwasher per household and will be doled out on a first-come, first-served basis

Once participants are registered for the rebate, they can then bring an old appliance to a local retailer to exchange it for a new, Energy Star-designated model. Only dishwashers will be accepted for dishwashers and refrigerators accepted for refrigerators, for example.

Nevadans who replace a refrigerator will get $200, a freezer or washing machine $150 and dishwasher $100.

Once the new appliance is purchased and exchanged for an old model, the owner must show proof of purchase to obtain the rebate. Participating retailers include Best Buy, Home Deport, Lowe's and the Sears Hometown Store in Carson City.

Meanwhile, the Obama administration is taking steps to strengthen the federal Energy Star program after a report found the government energy efficiency program vulnerable to fraud and abuse.

The Environmental Protection Agency says that to qualify their products for the energy-efficient label, new applicants will be required to submit complete lab reports and results for review. The agency is also ditching an automated approval process.

A report last month by the General Accountability Office faulted the program for not verifying claims made by manufacturers. The GAO was able to get a bunch of phony products certified, including a gasoline-powered alarm clock.

• The Associated Press contributed to this report.