Historic $8.8 Billion Home Energy Rebate Programs to Lower Utility Bills – CleanTechnica
Historic $8.8 Billion Home Energy Rebate Programs to Lower Utility Bills CleanTechnica
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A Dozen States Have Applied for Home Energy Rebates Funding from President Biden’s Investing in America Agenda
The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) has approved New York’s funding application for the Inflation Reduction Act’s Home Energy Rebates and awarded the state an initial $158 million. This program is part of President Biden’s Investing in America agenda, which aims to lower home energy costs, tackle the climate crisis, and build a clean energy economy.
States Applying for Home Energy Rebate Programs
- Arizona
- California
- Colorado
- Georgia
- Hawaii
- Indiana
- Minnesota
- New Hampshire
- New Mexico
- Oregon
- Washington
These states have submitted funding applications for the Home Energy Rebate programs. Collectively, these rebate programs provide $8.8 billion to lower energy costs and increase efficiency in American homes, saving consumers up to $1 billion annually in energy costs and supporting an estimated 50,000 U.S. jobs in residential construction, manufacturing, and other sectors.
Statement from U.S. Secretary of Energy Jennifer M. Granholm
U.S. Secretary of Energy Jennifer M. Granholm stated that the Home Energy Rebate programs are designed to save energy and money. She expressed excitement that states across the country are getting closer to putting money in the hands of consumers to upgrade their homes with new, energy-efficient appliances and clean energy tools.
Statement from New York State Governor Kathy Hochul
New York State Governor Kathy Hochul thanked President Biden, Secretary Granholm, and the New York Congressional Delegation for their support. She expressed pride in partnering with the Department of Energy to lead on this historic opportunity and build a healthier future for all New Yorkers.
Statement from U.S. Senate Majority Leader Charles E. Schumer (NY)
U.S. Senate Majority Leader Charles E. Schumer highlighted the benefits of the Home Electrification and Appliance Rebates program, stating that it will save consumers money on energy bills, reduce pollution causing climate change, and advance environmental justice. He emphasized the positive impact of this program on low-income New Yorkers.
Statement from U.S. Senator Kirsten Gillibrand (NY)
U.S. Senator Kirsten Gillibrand praised the historic rebate program for putting money back in the pockets of working-class families, lowering energy bills, creating more resilient and energy-efficient homes, and promoting a sustainable and clean future.
Home Energy Rebate Programs
The Home Energy Rebate Programs include:
- The Home Efficiency Rebates Program: Offers $4.3 billion in formula grants to state and territorial energy offices to reduce the upfront cost of whole-home energy efficiency upgrades in single-family and multifamily homes.
- The Home Electrification and Appliance Rebates Program: Offers $4.275 billion in formula grants to state energy offices to reduce the upfront cost of efficient electric technologies such as heat pumps for heating and cooling and heat pump water heaters in single-family and multi-family homes.
Lowering Costs for America’s Working-Class Families and Enhancing Consumer Protection
These programs aim to benefit households across the country by providing free or reduced-cost clean energy upgrades for their homes. At least half of the rebates will go to low-income households, ensuring support for communities in the most need.
Potential savings for households include:
- $8,000 off an ENERGY STAR-certified heat pump for space heating and cooling
- $4,000 off an electrical panel
- $2,500 off electrical wiring
- $1,750 off an ENERGY STAR-certified heat pump water heater
- $1,600 for insulation, air sealing, and mechanical ventilation products
- $840 for an ENERGY STAR-certified electric heat pump clothes dryer and/or an electric stove, cooktop, range, or oven
Statewide consumer protection plans will ensure consumers receive high-quality products and services. States will set high standards for contractor and retail partners and establish a robust process for consumer feedback and complaint resolution.
New York First State to Receive Funding to Launch Rebates Program
New York has received approval for its Home Electrification and Appliance Rebates Program and a $158 million grant award. The program is expected to launch in late spring or summer, initially targeting low-income homeowners and later expanding to reach all eligible residents.
DOE Conducts Outreach to States, Industry, Labor, and Contractors
DOE is engaging with states, industry stakeholders, labor unions, contractors, and more to spread awareness of the rebates and encourage participation in the programs. The Training for Residential Energy Contractor (TREC) Program provides funding for training, testing, and certification of residential energy efficiency and electrification contractors.
What’s Next?
DOE is reviewing states’ applications to ensure they meet guidelines. Once approved, states will launch their programs and begin accepting rebate applications from consumers.
Throughout 2023 and 2024, DOE has provided guidance and technical assistance to states, territories, and Tribes to apply for funding and implement their rebate programs.
Save Money Now
Homeowners can take advantage of professional home energy audits, tax credits for clean energy upgrades, and DOE’s Weatherization Assistance Program to save money on energy costs.
For more information and updates, visit the Home Energy Rebates website.
SDGs, Targets, and Indicators
1. Which SDGs are addressed or connected to the issues highlighted in the article?
- SDG 7: Affordable and Clean Energy
- SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth
- SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities
- SDG 13: Climate Action
2. What specific targets under those SDGs can be identified based on the article’s content?
- SDG 7.3: By 2030, double the global rate of improvement in energy efficiency
- SDG 8.5: By 2030, achieve full and productive employment and decent work for all women and men, including for young people and persons with disabilities, and equal pay for work of equal value
- SDG 11.6: By 2030, reduce the adverse per capita environmental impact of cities, including by paying special attention to air quality and municipal and other waste management
- SDG 13.2: Integrate climate change measures into national policies, strategies, and planning
3. Are there any indicators mentioned or implied in the article that can be used to measure progress towards the identified targets?
Yes, the following indicators can be used to measure progress towards the identified targets:
- Number of households receiving energy-efficient home upgrades
- Total energy cost savings for households
- Number of U.S. jobs created in residential construction, manufacturing, and other sectors
- Reduction in energy costs for households
- Reduction in greenhouse gas emissions
Table: SDGs, Targets, and Indicators
| SDGs | Targets | Indicators |
|---|---|---|
| SDG 7: Affordable and Clean Energy | 7.3: By 2030, double the global rate of improvement in energy efficiency | – Number of households receiving energy-efficient home upgrades – Total energy cost savings for households |
| SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth | 8.5: By 2030, achieve full and productive employment and decent work for all women and men, including for young people and persons with disabilities, and equal pay for work of equal value | – Number of U.S. jobs created in residential construction, manufacturing, and other sectors |
| SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities | 11.6: By 2030, reduce the adverse per capita environmental impact of cities, including by paying special attention to air quality and municipal and other waste management | – Reduction in energy costs for households – Reduction in greenhouse gas emissions |
| SDG 13: Climate Action | 13.2: Integrate climate change measures into national policies, strategies, and planning | – Reduction in greenhouse gas emissions |
Behold! This splendid article springs forth from the wellspring of knowledge, shaped by a wondrous proprietary AI technology that delved into a vast ocean of data, illuminating the path towards the Sustainable Development Goals. Remember that all rights are reserved by SDG Investors LLC, empowering us to champion progress together.
Source: cleantechnica.com
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