To respond to consumer demand and feedback from state energy programs, the U.S. Department of Energy has issued updated guidance for states applying for Home Energy Rebates funding.
These updates will simplify requirements and reduce administrative complexities for states, which promotes faster program launches, more streamlined implementation, and an easier experience for households applying for rebates.
DOE is making these updates after receiving feedback from states and the public on program guidelines issued in July. These updates are a customary step for DOE when opportunities exist to improve upon guidance.
Major improvements include:
- Reducing administrative burden by allowing virtual home inspections for the Home Electrification and Appliance program.
- Increasing program flexibility by removing non-essential requirements for home assessments.
- Clarifying requirements for retroactive rebates under the Home Efficiency program.
- Updating eligibility information to provide additional clarity.
- Resolving inconsistencies in funding allocations and income-level requirements.
- Providing definitions for measured path savings estimation methodologies.
DOE has updated the following documents. The links below will take you to the new versions:
A summary of the changes is provided on the first page of each updated document.
If opportunities for additional major improvements come to light, DOE will consider further updates.
About Home Energy Rebates
On Aug. 16, 2022, President Joseph R. Biden signed the landmark Inflation Reduction Act into law. The law includes $391 billion to support clean energy and address climate change, including $8.8 billion in Home Energy Rebates for energy efficiency and electrification projects.
These rebates will help American households save money on energy bills, upgrade to clean energy equipment, improve energy efficiency, and reduce indoor and outdoor air pollution. DOE estimates these rebates will save households up to $1 billion on energy bills each year and support over 50,000 U.S. jobs.
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