Is your refridgerator, dishwasher or washer and dryer making electricity cost an arm and leg?  Now might be the time to uprgrade to a more energy efficient model.  The Department of  Energy has approved $300 million from the American Recovery & Reinvestment Act to be put toward state run rebates for qualified household appliances. 

This rebate is intended to help families update some of their old appliances which will then lower the cost of electricity.  The best part is that it is offered as a rebate, NOT a tax credit, so you can see the money now instead of waiting for next April. 

The funding is expected to begin by the end of November 2009.  All 50 states have decided to be included but drafts must be made by October establishing how the funding will be used.