Shoppers across the state made a mad dash for the stores to take advantage of the Alabama Appliance Rebate Program.

The program is funded with money from the Federal Stimulus Act.

The rebates are definitely encouraging more people to buy energy efficient appliances.

Alabama received more than $4 million for the program, which was supposed to run through May 9th.

However, it looks like the money will be gone long before then.

 Kathy Thomas spent the day at Bob Wallace Appliance shopping for a refrigerator and washer/dryer.

"I really didn't need to buy it until the end of the month, but since the rebate was going on, I thought I would just go ahead and take advantage of that," said Thomas.

Thomas isn't the only one taking advantage of the deal. Less than 24 hours after the program began Monday morning, residents had already cashed in on $1.5 million worth of rebates.

 "It's a great idea for customers. I think it's going to boost the economy because we're going to get people spending some money and giving the local business owners some business," said Thomas.

 Store Manager Jeff Hall agrees with Thomas. Hall says, the program is keeping his employees busy.

 "What we thought would last four or five days we were out of in three hours. So, we've actually placed additional orders today to re-stock," said Hall.

  Once the money runs out, consumers are out of luck.

Again, the rebate program ends May 9th.

 

Reporter: Tiffaney Bradley