The government plans to extend up to ¥36,000 worth of "eco-points" to buyers of large TVs capable of receiving terrestrial digital broadcasts under a subsidy program aimed at promoting environmentally friendly household appliances.
The eco-point system, due to start Friday, will assign points to electric appliances in accordance with their size or capacity. Under the program, one point is equivalent to ¥1 and accumulated points can be used to purchase other products.
The government plans to assign 12,000 points for 26- and 32-inch TVs that can receive terrestrial digital broadcasts, 17,000 points for 37-inch TVs, 23,000 points for 42-inch TVs and 36,000 points for 46-inch TVs and larger, officials said.
While the subsidy program will offer eco-points equivalent to up to 10 percent of product prices, buyers will get larger benefits depending on purchase prices, such as 12,000 points when they buy 26-inch TVs, which are often priced below ¥100,000 in large discount stores.
Among other products, refrigerators in the 400-liter class will carry 9,000 points and 2.2-kw air conditioners 6,000 points.