SHREVEPORT, La., May 14, 2009 – AEP Southwestern Electric Power Company (SWEPCO) customers in East and North Texas should consider shopping tax-free this Memorial Day weekend. “This will be a great opportunity to make purchases if you are thinking of replacing a worn-out appliance or just simply want to save money on your electric bill,” says Phil Watkins, SWEPCO energy efficiency manager.
As part of legislation passed by the 80th Texas Legislature in 2007 under energy provisions in House Bill 3693, a sales-tax free holiday has been set up for certain ENERGY STAR® appliances and systems purchased over the three days. This tax-free event offers customers the opportunity to take advantage of savings on these ENERGY STAR® certified energy-efficient products only: refrigerators with a sales price not to exceed $2,000, dishwashers, clothes washers, ceiling fans, dehumidifiers, fluorescent light bulbs and programmable thermostats. Central and room air conditioner units also are eligible if the sales price does not exceed $6,000.
The tax-free appliance sales apply only to purchases made between 12:01 a.m. Saturday, May 23 and 11:59 p.m. Monday, May 25 (Memorial Day). The ENERGY STAR® program is a joint venture of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE).
“Texans now have the opportunity to purchase an energy efficient appliance without paying sales tax, “adds Watkins. “The consumer also will benefit from the reduced energy consumption by the appliance. Our Northeast Texas legislators are to be commended for this incentive program.”
This tax-free weekend is just one provision of House Bill 3693, which was co-authored by State Representative Bryan Hughes of Mineola. Other benefits of the comprehensive Energy Conservation Incentive Program require state agencies to purchase more energy-efficient equipment and appliances. Additionally, public school trustees must reduce a school district’s annual electric consumption by five percent each year for six years starting back in September 2007.
To see the complete version of House Bill 3693, go to:
http://www.capitol.state.tx.us/tlodocs/80R/billtext/doc/HB03693F.doc
SWEPCO serves 474,000 customers in three states, including 180,000 in East and North Texas. SWEPCO’s headquarters are in Shreveport, La. News releases and other information about SWEPCO can be found at www.swepco.com.
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