In Aug 2022, the US Congress passed the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA), which includes $8.8 billion in rebates for home energy efficiency and electrification project rebates. The DOE administered Home Energy Rebates Act consists of two programs, the Home Efficiency Rebates program and the Home Electrification and Appliance Rebates program. The following information describes the Home Electrification and Appliance Rebate Program. This program can help defray homeowners’ costs on energy saving appliances — such heat pumps, heat pump water heaters,electric cooktops and ranges, and necessary electrical upgrades — while also reducing the size of future energy bills.
Eligibility for rebates is dependent on household income and on the type of energy saving appliances, or specified home upgrade, purchased. Those eligible include: homeowners of low and moderate income (U.S. DEPARTMENT OF HUD - 2022 ADJUSTED HOME INCOME LIMITS); owners of multifamily buildings with 50% residential units occupied by low or moderate income families; and a governmental, commercial or nonprofit entity doing work on building owner’s behalf.
Rebates are provided in the form of discounts at the point of sale, rather than payment after the sale, enabling families on limited incomes to make the purchases more easily. Rebates up to $14,000 are available. The rebates are available for appliance purchases until September 30, 2031 or until the funding is exhausted, whichever comes first. Any appliance benefiting under this program must be rated at or above a specified level of energy efficiency (perhaps an EnergyStar).
Eligible rebates include home weatherization, heat pumps, heat pump water heaters, heat pump clothes dryers, electric/induction stoves, electrical wiring upgrades, electrical panel upgrades (under 100-amps).* Rebates are provided in the form of discounts at the point of sale, rather than payment after the sale, enabling families on limited incomes to make the purchases more easily. The rebates are available until September 30, 2031 or until the funding is exhausted, whichever comes first.
The HOMES Efficiency Program opens in early 2025 and remains open until September 30, 2031, or until funding is exhausted. For more info on the HOMES Program, and upcoming workshops, go to https://jimwylieg.wixsite.com/ca-public/copy-of-grant-programs.