The Department of Energy (DOE)[1] has taken the first steps in the implementation of the Home Energy Rebate Program, the $8 billion provision of the Inflation Reduction Act of 2022 (IRA)[2]. The Home Energy Rebate Program consists of two sections; the first authorizes rebates for home efficiency improvements, and the second authorizes rebates for home electrification and appliance upgrades. Last week, DOE issued initial guidance for states to access a portion of the funds allocated for the Home Energy Rebate Programs under the IRA. This will allow states to begin the initial program planning to launch the programs after further guidance has been released.
The DOE outlines the eligibility criteria, application process, and reporting requirements for states to receive early administrative funds to hire staff, prepare their workforce, and engage with constituents. The states will need to submit Home Energy Rebate Program Plans to DOE in order to access the remaining funds available in their allocations. These program plans should include information on how income eligibility will be verified, how point-of-sale rebates will be handled, and ensuring that the rebates are calculated and paid appropriately. Although the DOE recommends states not begin implementing information technology solutions to manage the program, it is not too early to begin planning what data will be submitted by customers and contractors and how this data will support rebate payments.
The initial DOE guidance is intended to help states prepare for implementing the Home Energy Rebate Programs that will help households save money on energy bills and transition to a clean energy future. DOE expects to provide additional program guidelines later this summer. As the preliminary program planning begins, ANB System is ready to support the states. The eTRACK+ solution will accelerate the implementation of the Home Energy Rebate Program, given its impressive record in managing over 700 programs, 48 million documents, and over $5 billion of incentives processed.
For further information on the Home Energy Rebate Program and updates on its implementation, please refer to our series of blogs on this topic, available at Inflation Reduction Act Blog Series.
References
[1] Department of Energy
[2] Inflation Reduction Act of 2022
Written by – Michael Stockard
Michael Stockard is an independent consultant at Stockard Energy Advising and is a member of the Advisory Panel at ANB Systems. Michael has over 40 years of experience in the design and implementation of demand-side management programs.
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