Trump Administration Releases New Guidance to Accelerate Multi-Billion Dollar Home Energy Rebates Program

The Building Performance Association (BPA) welcomes today’s U.S. Department of Energy actions that set a pathway to releasing billions of dollars in State Home Energy Rebate Funds. Appropriated in the Inflation Reduction Act and fully obligated to the states under the Biden Administration, the majority of these funds had been paused while the Trump Administration reviewed the program.

“Rising energy bills are a key part of the housing affordability crisis in America. The energy efficiency measures and upgrades that are supported by these rebates will help lower bills and make homes more comfortable — this is welcome news for homeowners and the contractors who serve them,” said Kara Saul-Rinaldi, Chief Policy Officer of the Building Performance Association.

The updated program notices provide changes to the guidance that include new limitations on fuel-switching, removal of certain state planning requirements, and a return to the rebate names assigned by the statute. The HOMES (Home Owners Manage Energy Savings) Rebate Program is a performance-based, whole-house rebate program where the rebate amount increases with the amount of energy proven or predicted to be saved. The HEEHR (High-Efficiency Electric Home Rebate) program offers specific rebate amounts for the energy efficiency technology or system installed or enabled in the home. While both programs offer greater rebates for low- and moderate-income families, the HEEHR is income capped at 150% of area median income. For more information about the guidance changes, keep an eye on the BPA website for updated insights.

“The rebate programs have the potential to cut energy bills in half for participating Americans. We look forward to working with our contractor members, state energy offices, and the Trump Administration to ensure these critical programs are able to help America achieve state and national energy goals,” Saul-Rinaldi noted.  

About the Building Performance Association
The Building Performance Association (BPA) is a 501(c)(6) nonprofit industry association that serves as the hub for businesses, nonprofits, and government agencies working to make America’s homes more energy-efficient, comfortable, healthy, and safe. BPA supports policies that advance the expansion of home and building performance, energy efficiency businesses, and industries. BPA serves as the industry’s voice on Capitol Hill and at the state and national levels.

For guidance information:
Kara Saul Rinaldi, Chief Policy Officer
Building Performance Association
(202) 276-1773
kara@anndyl.com