Shoppers who got in early enough got a 15-percent instant rebate for buying the more energy efficient appliances.
Kimberly Hosch got to the Home Depot on North Avenue in Chicago before the sun came up to make sure she got a good deal on a washing machine. The home improvement store matched the state rebate, which gave customers a total of 30-percent off.
"I had found a washer that I really liked. They were $1,500. And now that they've taken so much percentages off, now I got a chance to get the exact washer that I wanted," said Hosch.
"We opened at 5 a.m.," said Home Depot North Avenue District Manager Gary Hutchinson. "We opened early so customers could come and make their selection before the 8 o' clock start time."Illinois received a total of $12.4 million in federal stimulus money for the program. Governor Pat Quinn stopped by the North Avenue Home Depot to see it in action.
"We have to reduce our use of electricity and energy, and this is a great way to do it and save families money," said Governor Pat Quinn.
Similar rebates were offered last winter and this spring, and merchandise went fast so many shoppers prepared ahead of time.
"We showed up last night and pre-ordered everything so our ticket is in the computer and so that we could just come in and have them read our number and go through the process super quick," said shopper Natalie Pfister.
More information on the rebate program is at www.illinoisenergy.org
