The U.S. Department of Energy has updated the Program Requirements and Application Instructions (PRAI) and the Administrative and Legal Requirements Document (ALRD) for the Home Energy Rebate programs.

In June, when DOE last updated the ALRD, only one state had launched a rebates program. Since then, nine more states and the District of Columbia have launched programs. In working closely with states as they launch programs, DOE has learned that improved processes for accessing funds are needed to allow for more effective program implementation. As outlined in the newly updated ALRD, states and territories can now use funds across the program’s progress tranches for any appropriate, allowable expenses that follow 2 CFR 200 regulations. No action is needed from award recipients at this time.

In addition, the PRAI clarifies that states and territories may seek DOE approval to make partial payments for completion of individual energy measures within a low-income multifamily project under the Home Efficiency Rebates program’s modeled approach.

DOE has also issued the following guidance documents to help states, territories, Tribes and other stakeholders deliver the rebate programs:

Energy Savings Attribution: DOE encourages states to help residents combine Home Energy Rebates funding with other funding sources (such as utility rebate programs) when the federal rebates don’t cover the full project cost. States and other stakeholders have asked DOE for guidance on energy savings attribution — the share of energy savings that each rebate program claims towards a project’s total savings. In response, DOE has developed this resource, which provides instructions.

Photo Collection Recommendations: Under DOE’s program requirements, states are required to establish oversight procedures, including using photos to document installation of equipment. This document outlines photo collection requirements and best practices.

Measured Pathway Software Verification Procedures: DOE, working with experts at the National Renewable Energy Laboratory, developed this test procedure to verify that software meets the open-source advanced measurement and verification requirements for the Home Efficiency Rebates program’s measured pathway. 

Joining a Consortium: Tribes implementing the Home Electrification and Appliance Rebates program may form a consortium, which is defined as two or more Tribes designating a single Tribe to act on their behalf. This document outlines the process for and benefits of forming a consortium.

The $8.8 billion Home Energy Rebates provide two separate rebate programs to consumers:

The Home Efficiency Rebates provide $4.3 billion to discount the price of energy-saving retrofits in single-family and multi-family buildings. These rebates will be administered by states and territories.

The Home Electrification and Appliance Rebates provide $4.5 billion for high-efficiency electricity upgrades in homes. These rebates are administered by states, territories, and Tribes, which will receive $225 million of this amount.

For more information, sign up for our email updates and visit the Home Energy Rebates website and State Progress Dashboard.