An appliance-rebate program in New Jersey meant to create an incentive to buy energy-efficient products and stimulate the economy was criticized by some retailers who said it favors certain bigger stores, a report in the Press of Atlantic City said. The program, which starts April 1, would offer federally funded rebates for a select list of approved Energy Star appliances — about $35 for clothes washers, $25 or 50 for dishwashers and up to $100 for refrigerators, according to the report. But while most stores require rebates-by-mail, the rebates can be instantly obtained at Sears, Home Depot, P.C. Richard & Son and Karl’s Appliance, which some retailers see as unfair, the report said. Star Ledger