Camp Hill, Pa. - If you're shopping for a new major appliance in a couple of months, the federal government may help you pay for it.

An energy efficient "Energy Star" dishwasher, refrigerator or washer and dryer, could cost a couple hundred dollars less under a rebate program.

"It would be a great program to implement," said Darren Erb of Harris TV and Appliance in Camp Hill. "Whether it rejuvenates sales or whether it just creates foot traffic for the consumer to see what's going on in the market now. I think all involved would definitely benefit from it."

The federal government set aside $300,000,000 nationwide for the rebates, but states will administer the program. For us, that's the Department of Environmental Protection. DEP has until mid-October to work out details.

Teresa Candori, a DEP spokesperson, said since the rebates are for energy efficient appliances, the program will do more than stimulate the economy.

"Energy efficiency is one of our goals," Candori said. "That helps consumers reduce their energy prices in two ways. Obviously when you're buying less electricity, your energy bills are lower but because you're reducing demand, you're driving down the cost of the energy that you do use."

Pennsylvania has to have a budget in place before the appliance rebate program can start, but Candori said the planning still has weeks to go.

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