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Catherine Couch, communications officer with the Kansas Housing Resources Corporation, talks about the State Energy Efficient Appliance Replacement Program (SEEARP) and why the money for it ran out so quickly this year.

Q: How did the SEEARP work and how much money was available?

A: The program offers rebate vouchers to qualifying, income-eligible consumers who purchase new Energy-Star refrigerators, clothes washers, freezers, dishwashers and window air conditioners. Funded by the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA) of 2009, Kansas received approximately $2.7 million for SEEARP.

Q: When did you start taking applications and why do you think the money ran out as fast as it did?

A: Kansas Housing Resources Corporation (KHRC) started accepting applications for SEEARP on Jan. 19, 2010. By Jan. 25, funding for the program ran out. KHRC believes the tremendous response to SEEARP demonstrates the large number of Kansas families in need of assistance paying high energy bills.

Q: How many vouchers for new appliances do you anticipate issuing?

A: Applications for the appliance replacement program are currently being processed on a first come, first-served basis. Some vouchers have already been sent out. KHRC anticipates issuing approximately 4,800 rebate vouchers to help replace old, outdated appliances.

Q: What sorts of appliances can be purchased with vouchers?

A: The vouchers, which range from $200 to $800, can be used to purchase new Energy Star refrigerators, clothes washers, freezers, dishwashers and window air conditioners.

Q: Do you think this kind of a program might be available again in the future?

A: While funding for SEEARP ran out last week, KHRC hopes to identify additional funding for a similar appliance replacement program in the near future.