ConsumerWatch: Errors Delay Cash For Appliances Payouts
SAN FRANCISCO (CBS 5) - It has been months since the cash for appliances rebate program ended, and many Californians are still waiting for their checks from the state.
The program was financed by stimulus money, and provided cash rebates to individuals who swapped old, energy wasting appliances for more efficient ones.
Many consumers who tried to cash in on the program have received notices that said there was an unspecified irregularity in the rebate application. For many, that irregularity turned out to be one person's name on the application, and their spouses' on the required utility bill. The discrepancy on the application caused the applications to be denied. The state has since changed the policy.
A California Energy Commission spokesperson said the company contracted to handle the rebates was also responsible for a number of errors. The state is now devoting its own resources to double check the claims.
Some $4 million in rebates will be sent out in the coming months.
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