Ont. begins tax break for energy-saving products

TORONTO - Buying energy-efficient appliances in Ontario is now a little more affordable.

As of Friday, the province has waived the provincial sales tax on Energy Star household products like refrigerators, dishwashers, washing machines, freezers, dehumidifiers and room air conditioners.

The exemption, taken at the cash register, applies to products purchased, rented or leased until July 20, 2008.

Finance Minister Greg Sorbara said the move will cost the province some $51 million in lost revenue, but it's worth it.

"This is really a win-win situation,'' Sorbara said after touring a Toronto appliance store that already had sale tickets on its energy-efficient products.

"For consumers, they will pay less for these appliances. ... They will be consuming less energy in the home.

"For all of us, it means we are consuming less energy, and that's part of the battle on climate change.''

The Liberals cancelled a similar tax credit program in 2004 that also refunded the PST to customers who bought Energy Star products, but announced last month it would be resurrected.