Louisiana will be offering a rebate program in April designed to help residents replace older, inefficient appliances with Energy Star-qualified models.

The program, conducted by the state's Department of Natural Resources with funding from federal stimulus dollars, is aimed toward supporting energy efficiency and alternative energy efforts in Louisiana homes.

Included on the list of applicable appliances are clothes washers, dishwashers, refrigerators, freezers, water heaters, HVAC, and room air conditioners. The rebate amounts will range from $75 to $500, depending on the appliance purchased.

DNR Secretary Scott Angelle said the DNR's Energy Office staff has been working to make sure that the program is managed in the most quick and efficient way possible to meet the needs of consumers and ensure the funding is handled appropriately.

The State Energy Office will be working with a third-party contractor to help manage the program.

In addition, DNR will be partnering with utility companies, retailers, and other stakeholders to assist with marketing the program. That will be done in part through bill inserts and other publicity measures to ensure the public is made aware of the program once the rebates are available.

Louisiana homeowners will receive a mail-in rebate for the purchase of an Energy Star appliance once they've submitted proof of purchase. Participants will also be required to certify they disposed of old appliances in an environmentally safe manner.

More information will be available as the details of the program are established. Rebates will not be offered retroactively, but only on appliances purchased after the program has begun.

The program is one of 56 Energy-Efficient Appliance Rebate Programs, popularly known as Cash for Appliances, that are being set up in the United States and six U.S. territories with the help of federal stimulus money.

Louisiana will receive about $4.2 million of the nearly $300 million in stimulus funding available nationwide from the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA).

For more information on the program, visit the Louisiana Department of Natural Resources Web site.