Ann Arbor Offers $200 Rebates for Switching to Electric Snowblowers

Residents of Ann Arbor, Michigan, can now receive financial incentives to replace their gas-powered snowblowers with electric alternatives. The city has launched a rebate program that offers up to $200 off the purchase of an electric snowblower or snow shovel for those who trade in their gas models.

This initiative, introduced by the city’s sustainability office on December 8, 2023, aims to reduce reliance on fossil fuels as part of Ann Arbor’s broader environmental goals. The rebate program will run until March 1, 2024, or until the allocated funds are exhausted.

Details of the Rebate Program

Eligible residents can receive a rebate that covers up to 50% of the cost of an electric snowblower, with a maximum rebate of $200. Additionally, the program offers full coverage for the cost of a snow shovel. Each household can claim one rebate, encouraging residents to make the switch to cleaner alternatives.

To qualify for the rebate, participants must recycle their old gas-powered snowblower through a process outlined on the city’s official website. This ensures that the discarded equipment is properly handled and not left to contribute to pollution.

In addition to the snowblower rebate, Ann Arbor has recently expanded its incentives for residents who trade in gas leaf blowers for electric models or manual rakes. This initiative is part of a comprehensive effort to promote sustainability across the community.

Funding and Future Plans

The rebate program is funded by a 20-year climate-action millage that Ann Arbor voters approved in 2022. This funding is part of the city’s A2Zero plan, which aims to achieve community-wide carbon neutrality. The city has also introduced various home energy rebates intended to support residents in transitioning to more sustainable energy sources, such as electric heat pumps, water heaters, and induction cooktops.

As Ann Arbor continues to implement these programs, the community is encouraged to participate in the push towards a more sustainable future. By offering tangible financial incentives, the city hopes to engage residents in efforts that not only benefit individual households but also contribute to the overall health of the environment.

For more information on the rebate program and other sustainability initiatives, residents can visit the city’s official website or consult local news outlets.