万花筒 2010-04-08&04-09 美国也搞“家电下乡”？

Now to one of the latest efforts to jump start the economy. It's like the government's cash for Clunker's program. But this one is for things like refrigerators and washing machines aimed at getting consumers to buy more energy efficient appliances. But as NBC's Tom Costello reports, there are questions about whether the program will work. Bargain hunting in New York City.

-"So is it fitting in your spot in your kitchen?"

-"Yeah, the height is OK."

 

Well, the Claire Upple's family was looking for a new refrigerator, drawn¹ into a home depot² by the government's $300 million cash for appliances’ program. Buy a new fridge, washing machine or dish washer with the energy star logo. And you could get a rebate³ of $50 to $250.

 

-"It gives me the incentive⁴ to come in today to buy a refrigerator that we kind of needed. Because for the least our refrigerator is 15 years old."

Because of the program varies from state to state. Consumers should check when their state's program begins and which appliances are included. Some offer deeper discounts for buying several appliances. Some offer cash for recycling old appliances.

"The government estimates that up to 30% of an American home's energy use comes from appliances. And energy star appliances can cut that electricity use by up to 30%."

The government is borrowing a page from last year's $3 billion cash for Clunker's program. While rebates⁵ of up to $4500 helped boost car sales. 690,000 new vehicles were sold, giving the economy a shot in the arm. But critics argue both programs are a waste of money, providing just a short-term economic pump.

-It doesn't help the economy in the long-term. What helps economy in the long-term is for consumers, household people to get their consumption up and keep it up.

 

But already consumers are smelling deals.

-"We have a lot of people coming in, mainly because there is a date and end date to this."

 

The end date is when each day's money runs out.

 

Tom Costello NBC News Washington
 

1 drawn   

v.拖，拉，拔出；adj.憔悴的，紧张的

参考例句：

• All the characters in the story are drawn from life.故事中的所有人物都取材于生活。
• Her gaze was drawn irresistibly to the scene outside.她的目光禁不住被外面的风景所吸引。

2 depot   

n.仓库，储藏处；公共汽车站；火车站

参考例句：

• The depot is only a few blocks from here.公共汽车站离这儿只有几个街区。
• They leased the building as a depot.他们租用这栋大楼作仓库。

3 rebate   

v./n.折扣，回扣，退款；vt.给...回扣，给...打折扣

参考例句：

• You can claim a rebate on your tax.你可以要求退回部分税款。
• Customers are to benefit from a rebate on their electricity bills.顾客将从他们的电费退费中得到实惠。

4 incentive   

n.刺激；动力；鼓励；诱因；动机

参考例句：

• Money is still a major incentive in most occupations.在许多职业中，钱仍是主要的鼓励因素。
• He hasn't much incentive to work hard.他没有努力工作的动机。

5 rebates   

n.退还款( rebate的名词复数 )；回扣；返还（退还的部份货价）；折扣

参考例句：

• The VAT system offers advantages, such as rebates on exports. 增值税有其优点，如对出口商品实行回扣。 来自辞典例句
• In more recent years rate rebates have been introduced for households. 近年地方税的减免已适用于家庭。 来自辞典例句