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As part of President Biden’s Investing in America agenda, the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) announced today that Rhode Island has launched its first federal Home Energy Rebates program, supported by the Inflation Reduction Act. Rhode Island is the fifth state in the nation to launch a Home Energy Rebates program. The Home Electrification and Appliance Rebates (HEAR) portion of the rebate program that Rhode Island launched today will enable low- and middle-income households to save on energy-efficiency improvements.
Rhode Island’s launch is part of the Biden-Harris Administration’s nationwide initiative to provide $8.8 billion in Federal funding for states, territories, and Tribes to lower energy costs and increase efficiency in American homes by making it cheaper to install cost-saving measures such as heat pumps, electrical panels, and insulation, which helps save money on housing costs. These energy-saving measures will save American households up to $1 billion annually in energy costs and support an estimated 50,000 U.S. jobs in residential construction, manufacturing, and other sectors. These investments also advance the President’s Justice40 Initiative, which sets a goal that 40% of the overall benefits of certain federal climate, clean energy, affordable and sustainable housing, and other investments flow to disadvantaged communities that are marginalized by underinvestment and overburdened by pollution.
“Rhode Island is already ahead of the game with an existing rebates program helping thousands of homeowners save money on energy-efficient upgrades, and the Biden-Harris administration is helping thousands more reap these same benefits,” said U.S. Secretary of Energy Jennifer M. Granholm. “Thanks to the Investing in America agenda, Rhode Island can expand its program to include electric stoves, electric panel upgrades, and more—a shining example of how state and federal programs can work together to maximize the impact for American consumers.”
“Home energy rebates for clean and energy-efficient appliances and upgrades are good for the planet because they help cut pollution, but more importantly, they are good for Rhode Islanders because they will save money by lowering energy bills,” said John Podesta, Senior Advisor to the President for International Climate Policy. “Congratulations to Rhode Island for making these game-changing Inflation Reduction Act incentives available to their residents.”
“The Home Electrification and Appliance Rebates Program will help many Rhode Islanders update to ENERGY STAR appliances in their homes.” said Governor Dan McKee. “This initiative is another positive step in reducing our state's carbon emissions and creating the good paying jobs necessary for the clean energy transition.”
“The federal government is energizing our economy and enabling more Rhode Islanders to make cost-effective home electrification upgrades. Made possible by the landmark Inflation Reduction Act, these rebates will lower household energy costs and fight climate change, while bolstering America’s energy independence and strengthening U.S. manufacturing,” said U.S. Senator Jack Reed.
“I was very glad to help secure federal funding in Democrats’ historic Inflation Reduction Act to jumpstart Rhode Island’s Home Electrification and Appliance Rebates program, which was designed to help working families who are getting squeezed by high utility bills,” said U.S. Senator Sheldon Whitehouse. “I hope Rhode Islanders will take full advantage of this opportunity to get brand new appliances at a steep discount and make home improvements to save money on their electric bills.”
Many Americans spend a large portion of their monthly income to heat, cool and power their homes. To advance the objectives of the rebate programs, DOE is requiring states and territories to allocate at least half of the rebates to low-income households, defined as those earning 80% or less of their area median income, which is expected to benefit many households in disadvantaged communities. States and territories must also submit Community Benefits Plans to ensure good jobs and other economic opportunities are available. To help keep consumers informed and equipped with resources, DOE recently released a Consumer Bill of Rights framework and is encouraging state, territorial and Tribal rebates programs to adopt it.
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