A Step Towards a Clean Energy Future - Inflation Reduction Act (IRA)

The United States Department of Energy (DOE) provides rebates and incentives for residential energy efficiency and electrification through several existing programs (such as the Weatherization Assistance Program and the Energy Star program). These programs aim to help homeowners save money on their energy bills, reduce their carbon footprint, and increase the use of clean and efficient energy technologies in the residential sector.

The rebates and incentives can cover a wide range of measures, including insulation, efficient heating and cooling systems, and the installation of electric vehicle charging stations, among others. The Inflation Reduction Act of 2022 adds two new programs to the offering:

The Homeowner Managing Energy Savings (HOMES) Rebate Program

The High-Efficiency Electric Homes Rebate Program

Delivering savings solutions to those who need it most

These programs are funded by the Federal Government and delivered by the State Energy Offices (SEOs) of the 50 United States. With a combined budget of over $8 Billion over eight years, these programs will have a significant impact on carbon reduction, a reduction in homeowner costs for energy, and provide a marked increase in energy-related jobs.

Both programs support owned and rented homes, with an increase in incentives for Low to Moderate Income residents, furthering a push to support underserved communities and ensure governmental funding reaches those most in need.

RFI for stakeholder input

The DOE has released an RFI for stakeholder input focusing on the following, among other topics:

Accessible and Equitable Program Design
Design Considerations specific to Indian Tribes
Designing Programs for Maximum Impact
Integrating Existing Incentives and Programs
Technology Tools, Technical Assistance for SEOs, and Partnerships
Income Verification
Estimating Energy Savings
Eligible Technologies and Rebates
Data Access and Sharing

This research will inform the development and delivery of DOE program rules by mid-2023, with a goal of having initial program offerings available to the public by late-2023.

Full program life-cycle support with AEG

Leveraging best practices from decades of experience in designing, evaluating, and implementing solutions for energy efficiency and beneficial electrification programs for utilities, State and Federal agencies, AEG assists stakeholders across the spectrum of organizations that will enable these important initiatives.