In 2022, Congress allocated a substantial $8.8 billion for the Home Energy Rebate Programs. These Programs are set to be implemented by State Energy Offices under the guidance and oversight of the Department of Energy. When carrying out these Programs, States must take into account various factors such as planning, administration, technical assistance and program requirements.
To ensure compliance, the Department of Energy has provided a comprehensive summary of minimum program requirements for states looking to implement a Home Efficiency Rebates program. These requirements include the utilization of standardized procedures and open-source advance measurement and verification software, as approved by the Secretary. States must also evaluate savings based on time, location or greenhouse gas emissions, and determine project eligibility for elevated refund amounts.
You can an executive summary of the ALRD here.
Program requirements aren’t the only thing states need to be mindful of. They must also consider the overall scope and process involved in implementing these Programs. States should take into account crucial aspects such as:
- General Operations
- Program and Plan Design
- Vendor Onboarding and Management
- Marketing and Outreach
- Call Centers
- Eligibility Determinations and Quality Assurance
- System and Rebate Processing
A detailed list of requirements and other resources can be found here.
The ultimate goal of these Programs is to provide much-needed support to American households by helping them save money on energy bills, transition to clean energy equipment, improve energy efficiency and contribute to the reduction of both indoor and outdoor pollution.
These Programs represent a significant commitment to supporting American households, and with State Energy Offices spearheading the implementation, there is a promising outlook for a sustainable future.
