Texas Comptroller Susan Combs today encouraged consumers to sign up early to receive rebates on selected ENERGY STAR appliances purchased during the Texas Trade Up appliance rebate program April 16-25. Approximately $23 million in federal stimulus funds are available for the rebate program.

Beginning April 5, a toll-free phone number and an online reservation system will be available for Texans to reserve an appliance rebate. When all of the guaranteed rebates are reserved, consumers may continue to sign up for a waiting list to receive rebates on a first-come-first-served basis. Consumers must give their name, address and appliance type when making a reservation.

Consumers must be on the guaranteed rebate reservation list or the waiting list to be able to print or receive the forms they will mail in to claim rebates. To be eligible for a rebate, a qualifying appliance must be purchased between April 16 and April 25. Consumers will have 60 days from the reservation date to install appliances and submit their paperwork for the rebate. Appliances must be purchased by Texas residents at stores located in Texas.

As further details on the reservation and mail-in rebate systems are finalized in the next few weeks, a new Web site, http://www.texaspowerfulsmart.org, will become the one-stop resource for information and reservations.

Flat rebates will be available for consumers who buy certain ENERGY STAR certified appliances and replace the same type of functional old appliance, with an additional $75 rebate for recycling the old appliance.