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The U.S. Department of Energy has issued several new and updated guidance documents for states, territories and Tribes.
Continue to check the Home Energy Rebates website for updates to our resources.
Data and Tools Requirements Guide: This updated guide, which replaces the May 2024 version, aligns with recent programmatic changes. DOE has also clarified reporting requirements based on lessons learned from state program launches. The changes reflected in the guide have already been incorporated into the Tracking and Reporting Tool (i.e., API) maintained by the Pacific Northwest National Laboratory (PNNL).
PNNL has launched the API along with three different reporting methods. PNNL has also updated its reporting templates and accompanying instructions for states and territories reporting manually. Soon, DOE will request feedback on additional enhancements.
PNNL has posted new versions of the Pre-Launch Questionnaires to its Rebate Tools website. We took feedback from states to gather the information PNNL needs to set up the reporting environment for each state's programs.
Lastly, PNNL has continued to make improvements to the Quality Install Tool. The tool creates installation documentation using photo-based prompts and generates a PDF.
Market Transformation Plan Guidance: DOE requires states and territories to submit market transformation plans to ensure they stimulate investment in residential energy upgrades beyond the life of the rebate programs. DOE has updated its guidance and accompanying sample plans to include key clarifications about requirements:
Weatherization Assistance Program (WAP) & Home Electrification and Appliance Rebates (HEAR) Integration: DOE has developed a suite of resources for states interested in integrating their WAP and HEAR programs. By combining resources from these two programs, states can provide additional support that low-income households may need to cover the cost of essential home improvements. These documents provide relevant guidance, resources, and templates:
Launching a Measured Pathway Home Efficiency Rebates Program: This document guides states and territories planning a measured pathway under the Home Efficiency Rebates (HOMES) program. States can choose between implementing a measured pathway, a modeled pathway, or both. The measured pathway is a pay-for-performance approach to calculating HOMES rebates. Whereas the modeled pathway relies on projected energy savings, the measured pathway calculates rebates on actual verified energy savings based on pre- and post-upgrade utility consumption data.
HOMES Measured Path Incentive Payment Calculator: This updated resource adds a table of contents that outlines the purpose of each tab, and a new tab that allows states to adjust the rebate levels and the percentage of project costs covered for low-to-moderate income households.
Single-Family Modeling Solutions for the Home Efficiency Rebates Program: The Clarity Heat Pump Toolkit has been approved by NREL and DOE as a modeling software solution.
Tribal PAGE orientation: DOE has provided tutorials available in slides and video for Tribes in navigating the PAGE grant application system.
Relational Mapping of Federally Recognized Alaskan Tribes, Alaska Native Village Corporations, and Alaska Native Regional Corporations: This file shows the amounts of DOE’s HEAR funding allocations to Alaskan Tribal entities, and how these entities relate to one another.
New and updated state and territory FAQs:
61. Are homes that previously received upgrades funded by federal funds eligible to receive rebates for the same measures?
109. Under the HEAR program, can a state offer varying installation incentives for the same measure?
115. May states use rebate funds to pay for additional warranties or accessories?
116. May states use rebate funds to pay for state or local tax for retrofits or QEPs?
117. Please clarify the multifamily income requirement for a rebate of 50% off project cost under the HEAR program.
New and updated Tribal FAQs:
34. May Tribes exclude households whose income level is between 80% - 150% AMI?
35. Under IRA Sec. 50122, can a Tribe offer varying installation incentives for the same measure?
36. Will an incentive for work in disadvantaged communities meet IRA Sec. 50122’s installation incentive requirement?
37. When can Tribes request DOE approval of an alternative equipment efficiency standard?
38. When are upgrades to common areas in multifamily buildings allowed?
39. May Tribes use rebate funds to pay for additional warranties or accessories?
40. Are homes that previously received upgrades funded by federal funds eligible to receive rebates for the same measures?
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