Obama unveils energy efficient rebates

[Stephen W. Stanczyk]

Obama Unveils ‘Cash for Caulkers’ Rebates for Energy-Efficient Retrofits

Homeowners eligible for up to $3,000 for energy audits and improvements.


By Jennifer Goodman ECO-HOME Magazine

March 2 -- President Obama today announced the details of “Homestar,” a Cash for Clunkers-like rebate program designed to entice Americans to make their houses more energy efficient.


Under the proposal, homeowners could be eligible for up to $3,000 in rebates for purchases of efficient product upgrades or whole-house audits/retrofits. Obama wants the program, dubbed “Cash for Caulkers” and first mentioned in his January State of the Union address, included in a jobs package being drafted by Congress.


The administration hopes the incentives will boost demand for building products such as insulation, efficient windows, and roofing in the same way car sales skyrocketed last year when consumers were offered rebates for trading in their gas-guzzling autos for more fuel-friendly models. The White House says the program would create “tens of thousands” of jobs, cut energy bills for families by $200 to $500 per year, and reduce the nation’s dependence on oil.

FULL STORY HERE.

[Keith Runquist, CMI]

Problem is that so far mmostly due to government overhead the cost per house to taxpayers is about $57,000. Cash for clunkers cost something like $24,000 per additional car sold.