Launched in fall 2009, Santee Cooper’s program helps customers realize the benefits of replacing their older, less energy efficient refrigerator with a new Energy Star model. The program also applies to residential customers.

“The program was very efficient and professional. I set up an appointment to have my old refrigerator picked up and then bought a new energy efficient refrigerator to take its place. I was pleased to receive the rebate as well as having the opportunity to help the environment,” said Gary Lusk of Monks Corner, a Santee Cooper customer.

As an ongoing part of Santee Cooper’s “Reduce the Use South Carolina” campaign, Santee Cooper is offering its customers the opportunity to receive one of several rebates, including a $35 rebate toward the recycling of a working pre-1993 refrigerator, a $40 rebate toward the purchase of a new Energy Star refrigerator, a $75 rebate toward the purchase of a new Energy Star refrigerator plus recycling of one working refrigerator, or a $110 rebate for purchasing a new refrigerator and recycling two working refrigerators, one of which must be a pre -1993 model.  Customers without a refrigerator will receive $40 toward the purchase of a new Energy Star refrigerator. As part of the program, Santee Cooper will pick up a customer’s old refrigerator and recycle it for free.   

“I can’t overestimate the importance of getting the older, less efficient refrigerators off the energy grid. That is where the true energy savings comes into play. In the long term, it can help Santee Cooper avoid having to build additional generation,” said Marc Tye, vice president of conservation and renewable energy.

The refrigerator rebate program is just one of the many initiatives that Santee Cooper will be introducing over the next few years as part of an overall effort to help achieve the energy efficiency portion of Santee Cooper’s 2020 goal. That goal states the utility will generate 40 percent of its energy from non-greenhouse gas emitting resources, biomass fuels, conservation and energy efficiency by 2020.  

Local retailers are also getting involved in Santee Cooper’s efforts to encourage energy savings by participating in the Refrigerator Rebate program.  

“In today’s economy, it just makes sense for business owners to participate in a program of this kind,” said Paulette Sutler of Laws Radio and Electric Company.  “We’ve seen a great deal of interest in the program because it allows businesses to save money while doing their part to conserve energy and protect the environment.”

Sears on Old Hwy. 52 in Moncks Corner, Retail Merchandise Warehouse on South Live Oak Dr. in Moncks Corner, Wholesale Appliance Center LLC on St. James Avenue in Goose Creek, Lowes on St. James Ave. in Goose Creek, and Laws Radio and Electric Company on Main Street in Moncks Corner are participating retailers in the program.

Additional retailers throughout Santee Cooper’s service area can be found online at www.reducetheuse.com.  

Santee Cooper will roll out additional energy efficient initiatives throughout 2010 and 2011. To learn more about energy saving tips and information on Santee Cooper’s energy efficient initiatives and rebates, visit www.reducetheuse.com.