Starting Monday, April 19, Colorado consumers can apply for rebates on energy-efficient appliances and home energy upgrades from an $18 million economic stimulus program.

Rebates range from $50 to $400 on qualifying clothes washers, dishwashers, refrigerators, furnaces, hot water heaters and boilers.

In addition, the program offers rebates of $400 to $15,000 for home insulation or installation of residential or commercial solar- and wind-energy systems.

The Recharge Colorado program is part of a $300 million federal stimulus package, administered locally by the Governor's Energy Office.

"We want citizens to plug into our campaign and learn what they can do to save money and create jobs," said Tom Plant, director of the energy office.

Rebates will be issued on a first-come, first-served basis. Consumers can apply starting at 8 a.m. today at rechargecolorado.com or by calling 800-462-0184.

The $18 million fund will provide about 25,000 rebates for appliances and about 45,000 rebates on energy-efficiency projects.

The incentives apply only to purchases or installations made starting today. Rebates are not retroactive for prior purchases.

Some local governments and utilities in Colorado are offering additional rebates that can be used in conjunction with the state program.