Coming off the heals of the widely popular Cash for Clunkers program, Energy Secretary Steven Chu has just announced a new rebate program to help boost sales of energy-efficient home appliances.

Beginning late this fall, the program authorizes rebates of $50 to $200 for purchases of high-efficiency household appliances. The money is part of the broader economic stimulus bill passed earlier this year. Program details will vary by state, and the Energy Dept. has set a deadline of Oct. 15 for states to file formal applications. The Energy Dept. expects the bulk of the $300 million to be awarded by the end of November. (Unlike the clunkers auto program, consumers won't have to trade in their old appliances.)

"These rebates will help families make the transition to more efficient appliances, making purchases that will directly stimulate the economy," Energy Secretary Steven Chu said in a statement announcing the plan. Only appliances covered by the Energy Star seal will qualify. In 2008, about 55% of newly produced major household appliances met those standards, which are set by the Energy Dept. and Environmental Protection Agency.

The money can't come soon enough for the home appliance industry, which is mired in an unprecedented sales slump that began when the housing market cooled in 2006. Since then that slump has worsened considerably. Shipments of washers, dryers, refrigerators, and ovens dropped 10% in 2008 and are down 15% through July, according to the Association of Home Appliance Manufacturers. "It's brutal," says Raymond James (NYSE:RJF - News) analyst Sam Darkatsh.

These cash rebate programs are intended to increase economic activities, as well as help the environment.

I recently heard that the Cash for Clunkers auto program originally had a provision where people could just turn in their old cars for cash or credit to use public transportation.  It would have been nice if this new appliance program also allowed people to turn in their old inefficient appliances for cash. I know it's not so much of an economic stimulus, but it's the right decision for the long run. For my travel needs, I would have loved buying a $2,000 Metropass.