Ohio will get $11 million for an energy efficient appliance rebate program that begins in late March and two area entities are teaming up to make sure Lawrence County residents know about and receive the rebates.

The energy efficient appliance rebate program is being administered by the Ohio Department of Development. The Ohio Environmental Protection Agency is a partner in the program. It will allow people who purchase energy efficient appliances to receive a rebate of between $100 and $250 from the federal government.

There are some stipulations: The appliances must be energy efficient and the old appliances being replaced must be recycled at an approved recycling center.

The list of appliances eligible for rebates includes clothes washers, dishwashers, electric heat pump water heaters, high-efficiency gas storage water heaters and refrigerators.

Lawrence County Treasurer Stephen Dale Burcham and Lawrence-Scioto Solid Waste Management District Director Dan Palmer said their offices will have information about the so-called clunker appliance program in the near future.

Burcham said his office will help people fill out necessary paperwork.

“I’d like to get as much of this money as we can in Lawrence County,” Burcham said.

Burcham said he hoped residents will buy locally, thus helping infuse the Lawrence County economy with sales tax revenues as well as rebate money.

Thus far, Big Sandy Superstore in Chesapeake and Iron City Hardware in Ironton are program retailers.

The program begins March 26. To take advantage of the program, the participant must register and must purchase the rebated item within three days of registration.

“You must qualify first,” Burcham said. “You can’t just buy an appliance and then try to get a rebate. And people shouldn’t delay. Once the money is gone, it’s gone.”

In addition to the government rebate, American Electric Power will give an additional $25 to residents who purchase an energy efficient refrigerator or freezer. Those interested in this may sign up via the Internet at www.aep.com or call 1-877- 545-4112.

Palmer said state officials anticipate 89,000 appliances will be purchased within three weeks once the program begins March 26.

“I think it’s a win-win for everybody,” Palmer said.

Once the program is operational, participants may register by calling 1-888-686-8896 or via the Internet at www.ohioappliancerebate.com. Neither the website of the telephone number are operational at this time.

The treasurer’s office may be reached at 740-533-4305. The solid waste management district office may be reached at 740-532-1231.