If you live in Beaver Creek, Burwash, Destruction Bay, Old Crow, Pelly Crossing, Upper Liard or Watson Lake, you may now qualify for $125 from the government.
There’s just one catch — to get the dough you have to buy an energy-efficient washing machine between now and March 15.
It’s all part of a new government conservation program aimed at curbing electricity use and water wastage.
“Any energy-efficiency or conservation program really pays for itself in savings and infrastructure costs down the line,” said Energy Solutions Centre efficiency analyst Shane Andre.
The program will potentially cut down on electricity usage, he said.
And, because many Yukon communities are powered by diesel-generators, it will have spin-off effects as well, said Andre.
“In this case we’re saving water, and it also meets the goals of reducing impacts of climate change.”
Under the rebate program, people living in communities with diesel-generated electricity qualify for a $125 rebate when they purchase an energy efficient, front-loading washer.
Those living in communities connected to the hydroelectric grid get only $75.
The Energy Solutions Centre is hoping about 200 people apply for the rebates, at an estimated cost of $20,000, said Andre.
About half of that will be paid for by the federal government through Natural Resources Canada programs, he said.
To get the rebate cash, people who buy washers that meet Energy Star standards must complete a form and send it, along with a proof of purchase, to the Yukon Energy Solutions Centre before March 31.
To make things easier, the centre has a list of washers that qualify for the rebate. (TQ)