CHICAGO (AP) -- It took only 2 1/2 hours for Illinois' latest Energy Star appliance rebate program to run out of cash.
Thousands headed for stores Friday to take advantage of the $3.6 million offered in rebates to consumers who buy energy efficient appliances. The program was to last from 8 a.m. to 9 p.m., but ended at 10:30 a.m.
According to Gov. Pat Quinn, the program generated more than $25 million in sales of more than 27,000 energy efficient appliances. Those who bought Energy Star qualified refrigerators, freezers, clothes washers and dishwashers received a 15 percent rebate, or up $250 per appliance.
More than $9 million in American Recovery and Reinvestment Act funds were offered earlier this year in the first rebate program, generating more than $75 million in sales and 1.3 trillion BTUs in lifetime energy savings.
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