Alliance to Save Energy Urges GA Consumers to Reap Multiple Benefits of State's Annual ENERGY STAR Tax Holiday Georgians Save on Energy-Efficient Products October 4-7
Alliance to Save Energy Urges GA Consumers to Reap Multiple Benefits of State’s Annual ENERGY STAR Tax HolidayGeorgians Save on Energy-Efficient Products October 4-7
Washington, D.C., September 2007 – The Alliance to Save Energy is urging consumers in the state of Georgia to take advantage of the state’s third annual sales tax holiday on ENERGY STAR products next month. To help Georgia conserve energy and save money and protect the environment, the governor’s office is encouraging Georgians to look for appliances that have earned the ENERGY STAR, which designates products that meet strict federal energy-efficiency criteria.
“Georgia’s ENERGY STAR tax holiday allows consumers to save money on an immediate basis by saving the local and state sales taxes on ENERGY STAR products costing $1,500 or less,” explained Alliance President Kateri Callahan. “They also will save in the long run with lower home energy bills,” she added.
The tax holiday runs from Thursday, October 4, through Sunday, October 7, and applies to ENERGY STAR qualified products such as dishwashers, clothes washers, air conditioners, ceiling fans, fluorescent light bulbs, dehumidifiers, programmable thermostats, refrigerators, doors and windows.
“Through the ENERGY STAR sales tax holiday and Change a Light Day, Georgians can save money, conserve energy, and show their commitment to energy independence and environmental stewardship,” said Chris Clark, executive director of the Georgia Environmental Facilities Authority.”
Many ENERGY STAR qualified appliances use 30 percent less energy than conventional models without sacrificing features, style, or comfort. And some save even more – the Alliance notes that ENERGY STAR qualified lighting products use at least 2/3 less energy than standard incandescent bulbs to provide the same amount of light while lasting up to 10 times longer.
“October is Energy Awareness Month, and ENERGY STAR is the federal government’s symbol of energy efficiency,” Callahan said. “The ENERGY STAR can be found on more than 50 different categories of energy-using products, from major appliances to home electronics and office equipment. These energy-sipping products not only save consumers up to 30 percent on their related electricity bills, they also benefit our nation’s energy security and environment by extending our domestic energy supplies while decreasing pollution and greenhouse gas emissions.”
Said Executive Director Benjamin Taube of the Southeast Energy Efficiency Alliance (SEEA), whose goal is to dramatically decrease the region’s energy use through increased energy efficiency, “SEEA commends Georgia for being among the first southeastern states to institute an ENERGY STAR tax holiday. As a SEEA member, the state of Georgia is making a valuable contribution towards increased awareness of energy-efficiency throughout the Southeast.”
The Alliance also urged Georgians to participate in the U.S. Department of Energy’s Change a Light Campaign, a national challenge encouraging U.S. consumers to take simple actions at home to help preserve our energy resources and reduce the risks of global climate change. At the center of the campaign is the Change a Light Pledge, which asks consumers to commit to replacing at least one bulb in their home with an ENERGY STAR qualified alternative. The 2007-2008 campaign kicks off on October 3.
In addition, the Alliance urged consumers to take advantage of federal tax credits for energy-efficient home improvements such as ENERGY STAR windows and insulation and sealing products. Details on the tax credits, available for improvements made through December 31, 2007, are on a website developed by the Alliance and the U.S. Department of Energy at www.ase.org/taxcredits.
