Home Energy Rebate Programs: The Workforce of Energy Efficiency

In today’s changing climate, energy efficiency has become essential due to its ability to reduce our environmental footprint and save consumers money on energy bills.

Addressing greenhouse gas emissions through energy efficiency measures is vital for mitigating climate change, as it helps to limit the release of harmful greenhouse gases into the atmosphere. 

The Biden Administration signed the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) into law in August of 2022, including $391 billion to support clean energy and address climate change.

Understanding the Home Energy Rebate Programs

The IRA authorized the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) to implement two Home Energy Rebate Programs, which together authorize $8.8 billion in funds for the benefit of U.S. households and home upgrades. According to the DOE, these rebates can save households up to $1 billion on energy bills each year and support over 50,000 U.S. jobs.

The two rebate programs are: 

1. IRA Section 50121, establishing the Home Efficiency Rebates: awards grants to State energy offices to provide rebates that discount the price of energy-saving retrofits in single-family and multi-family buildings 
2. IRA Section 50122, establishing the IRA Home Electrification and Appliance Rebates: awards grants to State energy offices and tribal entities to develop and implement a high-efficiency electric home rebate program 

These funds are available to the authorized recipients through submitting grant applications.

What Does This Mean for Homeowners and Contractors

Through the creation of the Home Energy Rebate Programs, the responsibility has fallen on contractors and home efficiency auditors to help promote the energy efficiency rebates and educate homeowners. Since these professionals regularly interact with homeowners, they are vital in marketing the rebate opportunities. 

With this responsibility also comes the need to be well informed of how to properly obtain the rebates and implement energy efficiency incentives. It is recommended that contractors and home efficiency auditors set aside time to learn what kind of rebates are available so they can make the right recommendations to homeowners as they inspect homes and test their energy performance. 

It is also recommended that states create programs that include an outreach and education program for homeowners and contractors to help them understand how to qualify for the rebate.

Support Through the International Code Council

The Home Energy Rebates will help U.S. households save money on energy bills, upgrade to clean energy equipment, improve energy efficiency, support a stable power grid and reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

The Code Council also strives to help communities meet energy efficiency goals by providing the tools and resources they need to succeed.

Click here to access the Code Council’s energy and innovation webpage.  For more information on federal funding, including grant application development assistance, click here.