Residents on Oahu, Maui and Hawaii island can have their old working refrigerators hauled away for free and receive a cash rebate under a new “Bounty Program” launched Wednesday by Hawaii Energy.

Hawaii Energy, which administers the state’s energy conservation program, is offering rebates of $25 on Oahu and $65 on the other islands for working refrigerators and freezers that meet program criteria.

“Many homes have older refrigerators in their garage using up a lot of electricity.  It takes a lot of effort to properly dispose of these appliances, which are costing hundreds of dollars to operate every year,” said Ray Starling, Hawaii Energy program manager.

The program will run through June 22, 2012, or as long as funding lasts. Incentives are available on a first-come, first-served basis to electric utility account holders, with a limit of one refrigerator and one freezer per household.

The appliances must be full size (at least 14 cubic feet) and currently in use to qualify.  Some restrictions may apply. For more information call 537-5577 on Oahu, and (877) 231-8222 on Maui and Hawaii island.

Hawaii Energy has two other refrigerator offers.  Residents can receive a $50 rebate when they purchase a new Energy Star refrigerator with a minimum size of 16 cubic feet and price of $600 or less. Or, if they purchase a new Energy Star refrigerator and recycle the old working refrigerator, residents can get a $125 rebate.