Minnesota’s Trade-In & Save program is part of the government’s federally-funded stimulus program (which we wrote about previously), where residents can trade-in their older appliances — refrigerators, freezers, clothes washers and dishwashers — for up to $200 rebate on the purchase of newer, energy-efficient models. Both the program’s toll-free number and official Web site were overwhelmed Monday morning as the program launched, and while the phone number has since been restored, the Web site is still down as of the time of this writing.
“There is a possibility there was a cyberattack,” said Minnesota Department of Commerce spokesperson Nicole Garrison-Sprenger, though given the popularity of such programs around the country, it seems more likely that the site simply wasn’t prepared to handle the number of visitors it had received. By all accounts, it’s likely that the money allocated to this program won’t last for long, so it’s important to take advantage of this initiative while it lasts.
[UPDATE] The daytime toll-free number is 1-800-657-3710, the hotline number is 1-877-230-9119, and the website is mnappliancerebate.com. This program is country-wide, and already in effect in some states. You can get specific information at EcoRebates. It must be said that committing to “greening up” America is a laudable step for the government to make, and every little bit does help. At the same time, most people probably think their existing appliances work just fine — at least well enough for them not to consider having to spend money on a machine that isn’t immediately at death’s door. In this economy, the purchase of a new refrigerator might seem like a luxury to some. Given the events of the morning, however, it does appear to be the right move at this time for the government. Whether or not this flurry of new economic activity trickles down to have a beneficial effect remains to be seen.
