SALES TAX HOLIDAY ANNOUNCED FOR OCTOBER
Lovingston, VA —Central Virginia Electric Cooperative is pleased to announce an opportunity to save money, reduce energy consumption and help protect the environment by taking advantage of the ENERGY STAR Sales Tax Holiday from Friday, October 5 through Monday, October 8, 2007.
Governor Kaine signed legislation to create the sales tax holiday to encourage consumers to purchase energy efficient appliances, lighting and heating and cooling equipment.
Central Virginia Electric Cooperative is encouraging its members to choose ENERGY STAR qualified products during the sales tax holiday. The ENERGY STAR qualification means that these products meet strict energy efficiency criteria set by the U.S. Department of Energy and U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. For more information about ENERGY STAR, please visit www.energystar.gov
From October 5 to October 8, consumers can visit their local retailer and save both state and local sales tax on ENERGY STAR qualified products that cost $2500 or less. The following products are eligible:
q Ceiling Fans
o Use improved motors and blade designs that are about 50% more efficient than conventional models, saving you $15-$20 per year on utility bills.
q Compact Fluorescent Light bulbs (CFLs)
o Use at least 2/3 less energy than standard incandescent bulbs to provide the same amount of light, and last up to 10 times longer, while saving $30 or more in energy costs over each bulb’s lifetime.
q Dehumidifiers
o Have more efficient refrigeration coils, compressors, and fans than conventional models, using 10-20% less energy to remove the same amount of moisture as a similarly-sized standard unit.
q Dishwashers
o Use at least 41% less energy than the federal minimum standard for energy consumption and use much less water than conventional models.
q Programmable Thermostats
o When installed and used properly, ENERGY STAR programmable thermostats can save up to $150 a year on your utility costs.
q Refrigerators
o Use high efficiency compressors, improved insulation, and more precise temperature and defrost mechanisms to improve energy efficiency.
q Room Air Conditioners
o Use at least 10 percent less energy than conventional models, saving at least $25 a year on your utility bills.
ENERGY STAR qualified products use 30% less energy than conventional models without sacrificing features, style or comfort. Some products, such as energy efficient compact fluorescent lamps, save as much as 80%. By replacing old, inefficient products with ENERGY STAR qualified models, Virginians can help protect the environment while saving money and energy.
Consumers can save even more money with the Federal Energy Tax Credits available for doors, windows and other energy efficient products. For more information on the federal tax credits visit www.energystar.gov/taxcredits.
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