12 Red And Blue States Tap Billions In Federal Funds For Home Energy Upgrades

Billions in Inflation Reduction Act Funding to Supercharge Home Energy Improvements

A diverse group of twelve Red and Blue states are utilizing federal Home Energy Rebates to fund energy efficiency, electrification upgrades, and new appliances through state energy offices. These incentive programs aim to reduce energy costs and indoor air pollution, particularly for low- to moderate-income households, multifamily housing, and historically underinvested communities.

All State and Tribal Governments Can Apply for Funding

All state and tribal governments have the opportunity to apply for funding from the U.S. Department of Energy to provide rebates for residents to install clean technologies such as heat pump HVAC systems, heat pump water heaters, and insulation. The first wave of state applicants, which includes both Red and Blue states, demonstrates that affordability and public health are bipartisan concerns.

New York Receives $158 Million for Home Electrification and Appliance Rebates Program

New York is the first state to receive $158 million for its Home Electrification and Appliance Rebates Program. Other states such as Arizona, California, Colorado, Georgia, Hawaii, Indiana, Minnesota, New Hampshire, New Mexico, Oregon, Washington, and Wisconsin will also receive their share of funding. These rebates will provide relief from inflated energy prices and strengthen local economies by creating new jobs in the building sector.

Home Energy Rebates Help Households Struggling with Energy Poverty

One in seven U.S. families live in energy poverty, paying a disproportionately high amount of their income on energy bills. The Inflation Reduction Act’s rebate programs aim to counteract the impacts of fossil fuel volatility. $4.5 billion has been allocated to states for energy-efficient, all-electric appliances and equipment, while the remaining $4.3 billion will go towards Home Efficiency Rebates for a range of retrofit measures and packages.

States on the Move

New York’s program will prioritize low-income households, providing up to $14,000 per household for energy upgrades. The state’s collaboration with home energy contractors and private sector partners has allowed them to quickly secure funding approval. Other states, such as Wisconsin, are facing challenges in program development and implementation, but are working towards submitting their applications.

Targeted Resources Can Aid Program Development and Implementation

Energy Innovation’s “Inflation Reduction Act Home Energy Rebates: Program Guidance for State Energy Offices” outlines seven design principles to enhance the success of rebate programs. These principles include utilizing data for program design strategies and providing support to consumers and contractors. Case studies from existing energy efficiency and electrification programs offer proven solutions to similar challenges.

The Time is Now for States and Tribal Governments

Efficient home energy upgrades will reduce the strain of energy burden on households, cutting costs and air pollution while stimulating housing investments and job creation. All states and tribal governments are eligible to apply for funding, but swift action is necessary to prioritize this effort. Failure to apply will result in funds being allocated to neighboring states.

SDGs, Targets, and Indicators

SDGs addressed or connected to the issues highlighted in the article:

1. SDG 7: Affordable and Clean Energy
2. SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities
3. SDG 12: Responsible Consumption and Production
4. SDG 13: Climate Action
5. SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals

Specific targets under those SDGs based on the article’s content:

• Target 7.3: By 2030, double the global rate of improvement in energy efficiency
• Target 11.1: By 2030, ensure access for all to adequate, safe, and affordable housing and basic services and upgrade slums
• Target 12.2: By 2030, achieve the sustainable management and efficient use of natural resources
• Target 13.2: Integrate climate change measures into national policies, strategies, and planning
• Target 17.16: Enhance the global partnership for sustainable development, complemented by multi-stakeholder partnerships that mobilize and share knowledge, expertise, technology, and financial resources

Indicators mentioned or implied in the article:

• Indicator for Target 7.3: Rate of improvement in energy efficiency
• Indicator for Target 11.1: Access to adequate, safe, and affordable housing and basic services
• Indicator for Target 12.2: Sustainable management and efficient use of natural resources
• Indicator for Target 13.2: Integration of climate change measures into national policies, strategies, and planning
• Indicator for Target 17.16: Mobilization and sharing of knowledge, expertise, technology, and financial resources through partnerships

Table: SDGs, Targets, and Indicators

Copyright: Dive into this article, curated with care by SDG Investors Inc. Our advanced AI technology searches through vast amounts of data to spotlight how we are all moving forward with the Sustainable Development Goals. While we own the rights to this content, we invite you to share it to help spread knowledge and spark action on the SDGs.

Fuente: forbes.com

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