BPA Contractors’ Group Offers Comments & a Press Call Covering the IRA

As DOE releases state guidelines for $8.8 billion in IRA energy efficiency rebate programs, Building Performance Association contractors’ group offers comments and a press call

Today, the U.S. Department of Energy released guidelines for states to implement home energy rebate programs under the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA). The Building Performance Association (BPA), the top industry association for the country’s energy efficiency contractors, played a major role in shaping the IRA.

BPA was instrumental in securing billions of dollars in rebates and incentives for home energy efficiency and electrification, plus hundreds of millions of dollars to train workers for the jobs that funding will create.

With $8.8 billion in funding, the home energy rebates include the Home Efficiency Rebates Program (HOMES) and the Home Electrification and Appliance Rebates Program (HEEHR). HOMES will offer funding to state energy offices to assist in whole-home retrofits, such as insulation and air sealing. HEEHR will offer funding to both state energy offices and Tribes to develop and implement discounts for low- to moderate-income (LMI) households that purchase high-efficiency electric home equipment and appliances.

“BPA is working directly with states to ramp up training to support contractors doing this work, but in order for homeowners to get rebates and incentives, states need to apply for this funding first,” says BPA CEO Steve Skodak. States have from now until January 31, 2025 to request funds for program implementation.

“This is a great opportunity for states to train and expand their energy-efficiency workforces and pave the way for their constituents to save money and energy and receive thousands of dollars per qualifying household in rebates,” Skodak said.

“These programs are pivotal in helping the estimated 140 million residential units in America improve their energy efficiency, reduce greenhouse gas emissions, and add to grid security — all while making homes healthier, more comfortable, and creating good-paying jobs as America’s clean energy economy grows,” said BPA Chief Policy Officer Kara Saul Rinaldi.

“All states can and should implement HOMES and HEEHR rebate programs,” Saul Rinaldi said.

BPA will hold a press call to explain more about the new guidelines — and what they mean for states, contractors, and homeowners — at 11:30 a.m. EDT on Tuesday, Aug. 1. Journalists interested in participating can register here.

BPA has set up an IRA information page for members of the media.

For more information on the press call or to schedule interviews with BPA experts, contact Carina Daniels at carina@storyandreach.com or (510) 847-1617.

BPA supports contractors and businesses with energy efficiency training, credentialing, education, and the implementation of apprenticeships; and states with workforce development assessments and the development and implementation of state-sponsored workforce programs. For more information, visit www.building-performance.org.