Are you planning to make energy efficiency improvements or electrification upgrades to your home this year? You could save thousands on insulation, air sealing, heat pumps, and more thanks to new home energy rebates!
In 2022, the US government made a historic, multi-billion dollar investment in a new Home Energy Rebates program through the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA). It’s taken a little over a year, but that money is now being rolled out to help individual states launch two separate rebate programs: Home Electrification & Appliance Rebates and Home Efficiency Rebates.
California was one of the first states to apply for Home Electrification & Appliance Rebates funding and its application has been approved!
“We are thrilled to be one of the first states moving forward with a Home Energy Rebates application," said Commissioner Andrew McAllister, of the California Energy Commission, in a comment made to the Office of State and Community Energy Programs. "This is an important step towards getting these federal dollars to Californians eager to update their homes and realize energy bill savings. Our close partnership with DOE is critical for accelerating markets for heat pumps and other clean, low-carbon technologies."
California Will Receive $292,738,760 for its Home Electrification & Appliance Rebates Program
California has been granted $292,738,760 to fund its Home Electrification and Appliance Rebates program. The California Energy Commission is currently working to establish its program so it can distribute rebates to consumers. No official launch date has been set but the Commission expects to begin accepting rebate applications later this year.
Home Electrification & Appliance Rebates: What & Who Qualifies?
The Home Electrification & Appliance Rebate program is designed to help low and moderate-income households reduce their energy costs by making energy efficient appliances and improvements more affordable. The details of the program have not been finalized, but many appliances and home performance upgrades are likely to be eligible for rebates in California, including:
- ENERGY STAR appliances like heat pumps and heat pump water heaters
- ENERGY STAR range hoods
- Insulation and air sealing
- Electrical panel upgrades
This rebate program is for low and moderate-income (LMI) households that are below 150 percent of area median income. Owners of LMI multifamily buildings may also qualify for Home Electrification & Appliance rebates.
What’s Next?
If you’re interested in Home Electrification & Appliance Rebates, keep an eye out for updates. Rebates will be available soon and funding is limited. When the program opens, be ready to submit your application quickly to make sure you don’t miss out!
The Home Electrification & Appliance Rebates Program is an exciting opportunity for California homeowners to save on energy costs while improving their homes, and it’s just the beginning. The California Energy Commission is currently preparing its application for the second IRA home energy rebates program, Home Efficiency Rebates, which will be available to all California residents, regardless of income.
The Clean Energy Connection is committed to helping California reach its decarbonization goals and we’re excited to see these rebate programs come to life.