Following the success of the Cash for Clunkers program, local businesses are hoping the new Cash for Appliances initiative will also help boost sales.

Under the new program, which is set to begin in October, consumers who purchase energy-efficient appliances will receive rebates ranging from $50 to $200.

Pete Tiso, the owner of Tiso's Appliances in Pelham, says since the beginning of the recession, his sales dropped 35 percent, but he remains optimistic that the government's sequel to the popular Cash for Clunkers program will help his bottom line.

The Department of Energy has allocated $300 million for the appliance program.