MINNEAPOLIS, June 10, 2014 /PRNewswire/ -- Back by
popular demand, Xcel Energy residential electric customers
can take advantage of the popular Refrigerator Recycling Program
and cash in on those old, working, inefficient secondary
refrigerators and freezers chugging away in the basement or lake
homes.From now until August 31, Xcel
Energy is offering a limited time $50
rebate, up from the previous $35
rebate, to take advantage of the Refrigerator Recycling
Program.
Minnesota-based Appliance
Recycling Centers of America, Inc. (ARCA) administers the program
and will pick up the old, energy guzzling refrigerators or
freezers, typically located in a garage, basement or lake home, and
recycle the parts.
To date, more than 21,000 Xcel Energy customers in Minnesota have participated in the program,
which is part of Xcel Energy's Conservation Improvement
Program.
Xcel Energy is also proud to announce a new partnership with the
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's Responsible Appliance
Disposal (RAD) Program. Through the Refrigerator Recycling Program
and ARCA's advanced recycling processes, Xcel Energy is eligible
for RAD membership, which includes the proper handling of
refrigerants, foam, metals, plastic, glass, PCBs, mercury and used
oil found in old refrigeration appliances.
"This program provides a convenient and environmentally safe
solution for our customers," says Christmas Ramirez, Xcel Energy
program manager. "There is no lugging to the curb for pickup, we're
providing two free compact fluorescent light bulbs during the visit
and we'll give you a $50 rebate. All
you have to do is call between now and August 31."
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency estimates that a
20-year-old refrigerator can consume two to four times more energy
annually than a new model and can significantly increase customers'
electricity bills. Older refrigerators put a strain on the
electricity grid. Each unit costs over $100 a year in electricity bills, according to
ENERGY STAR®.
For more information or to schedule an appointment, please visit
ResponsibleByNature.com/Fridge or call (800) 599-5795.
Participation in this program is subject to important rules and
eligibility requirements, which are detailed at
ResponsibleByNature.com/Fridge.
About Xcel Energy
Xcel Energy (NYSE: XEL) is a major U.S. electricity and
natural gas company that provides a comprehensive portfolio of
energy-related products and services to 3.4 million electricity
customers and 1.9 million natural gas customers through its
regulated operating companies in eight Western and Midwestern
states. Company headquarters are located in Minneapolis. More information is available at
xcelenergy.com.
About ARCA
ARCA's (NASDAQ:ARCI) three business components are uniquely
positioned in the industry to work together to provide a full array
of appliance-related services. Eighteen Company-owned stores under
the name ApplianceSmart, Inc.® sell new appliances directly to
consumers and provide affordable ENERGY STAR® options for energy
efficiency appliance replacement programs; ARCA's regional centers
process appliances at end of life to remove environmentally
damaging substances and produce material byproducts for recycling
for over 200 utilities in the U.S. and Canada; and ARCA Advanced Processing, LLC
employs advanced technology to refine traditional appliance
recycling techniques to achieve optimal revenue-generating and
environmental benefits. ARCA is also the exclusive North American
distributor for UNTHA Recycling Technology (URT), one of the
world's leading manufacturers of technologically advanced
refrigerator recycling systems and recycling facilities for
electrical household appliances and electronic scrap.
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SOURCE Appliance Recycling Centers of America