Energy Star appliance rebate program launched anew

The CNMI Energy Division Office announced yesterday the launching of the CNMI – Energizing Insular Communities – Energy Efficient/Energy Star Appliance Rebate Program for the second year to assist interested residents in lowering their homes’ energy use and cost of utilities by offering appliance rebate vouchers, as a financial incentive, to redeem at participating local vendors or retailers to receive an in-store instant rebate, for the replacement of old in-efficient appliances with qualified, Energy-Efficient/Energy Star rated products.

Due to funding limitations, the number of rebate vouchers are limited and will be available on a first- come first-served basis until funds run out for Saipan, Tinian, and Rota residents.

In consideration of the high rising cost of fuel and other financial hardships that might be affecting residents due to current existing economic conditions, the Division of Energy will be launching the program in a manner that lessens the need for residents to travel by vehicle numerous times, to reduce unnecessary and unwanted fuel costs, by allowing interested residents to reserve a program application and confirmation number, in advance, by contacting the Division of Energy Office and providing all the necessary program requirement information. Only one program application per household, is allowed for: one refrigerator; one clothes washer; and up to two room air-conditioners (window-type or split-type units).

Once complete information is obtained and verified, residents will be issued a confirmation number that is unique only to the caller, which must be presented, as proof, to visiting designated officials of the Division of Energy for verification to receive a program application for rebate vouchers. Confirmation numbers shall not be shared with any other person and shall only be presented by the holder. (Additional requirements or conditions may apply.)

• Please provide the following information:

• Full name on a valid government-issued ID

• Residential address (installation address)

• Contact number

• Commonwealth Utilities Corp. account number (installation address)

If a tenant of a rental property, additional information will be required for verification.

Energy Office contact information:

• Maile H. Iakopo, program specialist, (670) 664-4480

• Vincent S. Attao, program manager, (670) 664-4482

The Division of Energy will begin accepting telephone calls from interested residents on Rota to reserve a program application for appliance rebate vouchers, as follows:

Furthermore, in order to issue rebate vouchers in a timely and most expeditious manner, the Division of Energy urges residents to obtain and make readily available for submission the information required to complete an application, as follows: (Additional requirements or conditions may apply.)

• Copy of valid government-issued ID

• A copy of the latest CUC billing

• Make and model number of existing old appliances to be replaced

• If a tenant of a rental property, a copy of the lease/rental agreement and Landlord and Tenant Certification (provided by Division of Energy)

Staff members of the Division of Energy will be on Rota to distribute program applications to residents with confirmation numbers for submission, and to process and issue appliance rebate vouchers, as follows:

Rota Date Time Location

May 11 9am – 4:30pm Sinapalo Youth Center

May 12 9am – 4:30pm Rota Mayor’s Offic

The list below reflects the voucher amounts for the islands.

Please note rebate vouchers only cover a portion of the amount of the total price of the units listed above. Voucher recipients are responsible for paying the remaining balance on the amount.

Appliances must replace existing models. Residents with newly constructed or renovated homes are eligible to apply for new purchases of qualified Energy Efficient or Energy Star-rated appliances. Residents impacted by the devastations of Typhoon Mangkhut and Super Typhoon Yutu are eligible, provided they have not already received similar assistance from local, federal, or private entities.

Due to the continuing threat of COVID-19, the public is required to observe and comply with all health and safety protocols. Masks are required at all times during the program services hours of operations.

For additional program information or questions, contact the Division of Energy Office at 664- 4480/1. (PR)