Save money, water, and energy with state rebates

FRESNO, Calif. (KFSN) -- If you're planning to replace your washer or toilet, you may want to wait until state rebates become available.

Residents thinking about removing their lawn which is now going brown can catch a break with some green from the department of water resources.

Jodi Evans with the Department of Water Resources said, "Our turf rebates will be $2 per square foot of replaced turf. We will be capping that at 1,000 square feet with a maximum of $2,000 per household."

Fresno was the first stop for state agencies crisscrossing California to let people know about appliance rebates. Christine Collopy of the California Energy Commission expects to secure state funding for the rebates by the fall.

"We're proposing that we rebate $100 for clothes washers," said Collopy. "We're looking at the eligibility of Energy Star as the standard."

The rebates are part of California's response to the drought. Those who can afford new appliances can save water and energy.

Fresno City Councilmember Esmeralda Soria said, "Not only is it going to help the state as a whole but it will also help ratepayers."

The state is also proposing a $100 rebate for a low-flow toilet. Officials say you can add the state rebates to those offered in Fresno.

Mark Standriff with the City of Fresno added, "Take the rebates the city has had in place for months. Take the state rebates that are now coming in because of the governor's order. Layer them on top of each other."

Fresno rebates include $50 for both toilets and washers.