Join ODOE for October Webinars on Federal Home Energy Rebate Programs

On July 27, 2023 the U.S. Department of Energy (U.S. DOE) released guidance for states and territories to apply for Home Energy Rebate Program funding from the 2022 Inflation Reduction Act. With this federal funding, states and territories will develop, implement, and enhance residential energy efficiency and electrification programs for U.S. households.  

The Oregon Department of Energy (ODOE) will host three listening sessions in October to hear from Oregon residents and Oregon-based organizations on the design of the Home Energy Rebate Programs. We’ll include an overview of the federal program guidelines and Oregon state legislation related to the programs, discuss areas where Oregon can customize the programs, and ask questions to prompt discussion and feedback from attendees. A recording of the events will be available on ODOE’s website and feedback will also be accepted online here. The public input sessions will be hosted virtually.  


 

Home Energy Rebates Kick-Off 
Wednesday, October 4, 2023 
2 - 3:30 p.m. PT 
Virtual log-in information is available on ODOE’s website
This meeting will give an overview on rebate programs for homeowners, with an opportunity for Q & A. 

Home Efficiency Rebates Deep Dive 
Tuesday, October 10, 2023 
2 – 4 p.m. PT 
Virtual log-in information is available on ODOE’s website
This meeting will focus on receiving input around program structure of the Home Efficiency Rebates (HOMES) and is open to all, but those with technical input for the programs such as contractors or residential energy efficiency program administrators are encouraged to engage. 

Home Electrification and Appliance Rebates Deep Dive 
Wednesday, October 11, 2023 
2 – 4 p.m. PT 
Virtual log-in information is available on ODOE’s website
This meeting will focus on receiving input around program structure of the Home Electrification & Appliance Rebates (HEAR) and is open to all, but those with technical input for the programs such as contractors or residential energy efficiency program administrators are encouraged to engage. 

For more information, contact: Federal.Funding@energy.oregon.gov  

 

Additional Background 

ODOE’s Work So Far 

ODOE has begun preparing for the development of this program and applied for access to early administrative funds on August 11, 2023. With these funds, ODOE will conduct outreach and design the rebate programs. 

While the deadline to submit the full application for these programs is January 31, 2025, ODOE will prioritize rapidly deploying this program, while ensuring a thorough and efficient implementation design. ODOE intends to submit an early application to the U.S. DOE for the state formula funding for Home Energy Rebates, aiming to make rebates available to Oregonians by mid-2024. ODOE will share updates as available. In the meantime, please see our website for a list of Frequently Asked Questions.  

About the Programs 

The Home Energy Rebates are comprised of two complementary programs – Home Efficiency Rebates and Home Electrification and Appliance Rebates:  

Also known as HOMES, the Home Efficiency Rebate program provides performance-based rebates for energy efficiency retrofits for individual households and multifamily buildings. A retrofit could include an energy-saving upgrade, such as those related to the building envelope, heating, cooling, and water heating. These rebates are available for efficiency upgrades (or combinations of upgrades) with demonstrated energy savings of at least 20%, with higher incentives for projects with savings of 35%. 

Also known as HEEHR or HEAR, the Home Electrification and Appliance Rebate program will provide point of sale rebates to low- (80% of Area Median Income and below) and moderate- (between 80% and 150% of Area Median Income) income households for the installation of high-efficiency electric appliances and associated electric upgrades along with insulation and air sealing measures.