In an effort to help Georgia save energy, money, and protect the environment, this weekend's sales tax holiday, from Thursday-Sunday, August 3-6, will give residents a chance to save some money on selected items.

Georgians are encouraged to look for appliances that have earned the "Energy Star," which designates products that meet strict energy efficiency criteria set by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and U.S. Department of Energy.

During the sales tax holidays, consumers can visit their local retailer and save both state and local sales tax on Energy Star qualified appliances that cost $1500 or less including dishwashers, clothes washers, air conditioners, ceiling fans, fluorescent light bulbs, dehumidifiers, programmable thermostats, refrigerators, doors and windows.

Many Energy Star qualified appliances use 30% less energy than conventional models without sacrificing features, style or comfort. Some products, such as energy efficient compact fluorescent lamps, save as much as 80%. By replacing old, inefficient appliances with Energy Star qualified models, Georgians can help protect the environment while saving money and energy. Consumers can better understand the options and benefits of Energy Star qualified products by visiting www.energystar.gov.

In addition to the Energy Star Sales Tax Holiday, consumers can save money with federal tax credits on doors, windows and other energy efficient products. The Energy Policy Act of 2005, signed into law on August 8, 2005, authorizes tax credits on a variety of products designed to save energy, save money and protect our environment that are available through December 31, 2007. More information on the federal tax credits is available at www.gefa.org.

Several organizations have come together to ensure consumers are aware of this opportunity including AGL Resources, the Alliance to Save Energy, the Clean Air Campaign, the Georgia Department of Revenue, Georgia EMC, the Georgia Environmental Facilities Authority, the Georgia Retail Association, Georgia Power Company, the Municipal Electric Authority of Georgia, the Electric Cities of Georgia, the U.S. Department of Energy, and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency.