Akron-based FirstEnergy is bringing back its popular appliance recycling program.
The parent company of Ohio Edison on Wednesday relaunched its program that will give customers a $50 Visa giftcard for any recycled refrigerator or freezer. Additionally, with a qualified refrigerator or freezer recycling, customers can get an additional $25 giftcard.
“Often, an outdated refrigerator either sits unused or is used for extra storage in a garage or basement,” said John Dargie, vice president, energy efficiency, in a press release. “Customers can now responsibly recycle their old refrigerators, which is good for the environment and can lead to energy savings. Refrigerators that are more than 10 years old can use twice the amount of energy of newer Energy Star models, resulting in savings of over $100 a year in energy costs.”
FirstEnergy included the Appliance Turn-In Program in its recent filing with the Public Utilities Commission of Ohio to meet energy-efficiency standards, said Aaron Ruegg, spokesman for FirstEnergy’s Ohio utilities.
In late 2014, state legislation froze the state energy-efficiency mandates for utilities for two years. FirstEnergy suspended its appliance rebate program at that time, said Ruegg.
But customers continued to ask for the program, he said.
“Over that time, we’ve gotten a number of inquiries. It was one of more popular programs. Customers were really anxious” for its return, he said.
Also, while customers who utilize the program will benefit with the giftcard, all customers of FirstEnergy will pay for the costs of the program through their rates, as allowed by state law.
“These are costs that are allowable by legislation and all customers are responsible for the program, whether you participate or not, you’re required to contribute to the cost of the program. That’s why we encourage participation,” said Ruegg.
Here’s how it works:
• You must be a customer of a FirstEnergy utility.
• Refrigerators and freezers must be 10 to 30 cubic feet, plugged in, and operating (cooling) at the time of the scheduled pickup .
• There’s a limit of two refrigerators/freezers plus up to two room air conditioners/dehumidifiers per calendar year.
To schedule a pickup, go to www.energysaveOhio.com or call 855-485-7463.
A third-party company, Recleim, LLC, will collect the appliances and administer the program.
Over 95 percent of the materials in the appliances are captured and sent into recycling streams including metals, plastics and glass, according to FirstEnergy.
Ruegg said FirstEnergy decided to launch the appliance recycling program on Feb. 1, even though it has not yet been approved by the PUCO. FirstEnergy also plans some other programs, once approved by the PUCO, such as incentives for lighting and energy-efficient appliances in the coming weeks, he said.
Molly McGuire, spokesman for the Ohio Consumers’ Counsel, the state’s residential utility advocate, said of the program: “we encourage consumers to look for ways to reduce their use of electricity, which will save them money on their electric bills. Since the energy efficiency rebates are generally paid by all FirstEnergy consumers, we have asked the PUCO to set limits on what FirstEnergy can charge consumers for its energy efficiency programs.”
Betty Lin-Fisher can be reached at 330-996-3724 or blinfisher@thebeaconjournal.com. Follow her @blinfisherABJ on Twitter or www.facebook.com/BettyLinFisherABJ and see all her stories at www.ohio.com/betty