CLPHA Leads on PHA Access to DOE Funding
The U.S. Department of Energy’s State and Community Energy Programs (SCEP) office has launched two energy rebate programs that offer a total of $8.5 billion in point-of-sale rebates. Thanks to CLPHA’s advocacy, public housing and buildings receiving project-based assistance are categorically eligible for the rebate programs. Learn more about the programs on CLPHA’s Green Funding Clearinghouse.
The Home Efficiency Rebates Program makes $4.3 billion available to state energy offices for the creation of point-of-sale rebates for high-efficiency electric heat pumps, water heaters, electric stoves, heat pump clothes driers, ventilation, air sealing, insulation, and electric wiring. The Home Electrification and Appliance Rebates Program makes $4.5 billion available for states to create rebate programs for energy-efficient residential appliances such as electric stoves and clothes dryers, and insulation/air sealing measures.
CLPHA has worked closely with SCEP to ensure that public housing and properties with tenant-based assistance are explicitly listed as categorically eligible. Public housing is fully eligible for the rebates. Buildings receiving Section 8, Section 202, Section 811, or other project-based assistance are eligible if at least 50% of units are subsidized. Properties benefitting from LIHTC are eligible if at least 50% of housing units are income restricted.
These funds will initially be distributed to states for each state energy office to design its own rebate program(s). PHAs will access these rebates at the point of sale and will not apply directly to SCEP. PHAs should contact their state energy office for detailed information on how to claim the rebate.