Beginning today, Ontario consumers will save money through a temporary Retail Sales Tax (RST) exemption on the purchase of qualifying Energy Star household products.

“This tax exemption will make energy-efficient products more affordable, encouraging consumers to go green at home,” said Finance Minister Greg Sorbara.

This initiative will provide a point-of-sale RST exemption for certain qualifying Energy Star household products purchased, rented or leased after July 19, 2007 and before July 20, 2008. The exemption applies to refrigerators, dishwashers, clothes washers, freezers, dehumidifiers and room air conditioners. Qualifying Energy Star light bulbs and decorative light strings are also exempt.

To qualify:<ul

  • the product must be listed, at the time of purchase, as Energy Star qualified by the Office of Energy Efficiency, Natural Resources Canada;
  • the purchase must be a first-time sale, rental or lease for at least one year, of a new qualifying appliance; and
  • the contract for the sale must be entered into after July 19, 2007, and prior to July 20, 2008, and delivery must take place on or before September 1, 2008.

    Installation costs for qualifying built-in appliances and delivery charges for Energy Star products are also eligible for the RST exemption.

    The RST exemption for qualifying Energy Star products is expected to provide approximately $36 million to Ontario consumers in 2007-08 and a further $15 million in 2008-09.