The buying frenzy is slowing in the second day of the state's Energy Star appliance rebate program.
The program offers $8.8 million in federal funds to shoppers who replace an old dishwasher, washer, freezer or refrigerator with a new energy-efficient model. Customers who buy a qualifying appliance get a 15 percent instant rebate at the register, and the retailer is then reimbursed from the pool of federal money.
As of 11:45 a.m. today, 45 percent of the available money had been claimed. Roughly $4.4 million remained available for the rest of the event. The rebate program is scheduled to run through Sunday, though it could end earlier if the money runs out. According to the state Energy Office, the money for the program is being spent at a rate of about $2,000 per minute.
Retail reporter Sue Stock came to the N&O in 2004 and has been covering retail and shopping in the Triangle since then. She is the author of the popular