The U.S. departments of Energy (DOE) and Health and Human Services have launched a program to lower electricity bills and make solar energy more accessible, a recent DOE news release said.
"Every American community, especially those that face disproportionately higher energy burdens, deserves the economic and health benefits that come with increased access to affordable clean energy,” Jennifer Granholm, U.S. Energy secretary, said in the release. “This is why DOE is working across the federal government to open up community solar that will rapidly lower electricity bills for households that need it most and create good paying jobs in every pocket of America.”
Five states and Washington, D.C., will participate in a pilot program for the Community Solar Subscription Platform to connect families to solar energy and lower electricity bills through the Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) and other low-income assistance programs, the release said.
"DOE also announced $10 million from President [Joe] Biden’s Bipartisan Infrastructure Law to jump-start solar energy careers in underserved communities," the release said. "Today’s announcements support President Biden’s goal to reach a carbon-free electricity sector by 2035 while creating good-paying jobs across the country."
“New Mexico is excited to participate in this pilot program, which builds on my administration’s efforts to make solar available to everyone," Michelle Lujan Grisham, governor of the state, said in the release. She estimated the pilot program will save customers 30% on their power bills.
New York Gov. Kathy Hochul noted that her state is the leading community solar market in the U.S.
New York has "set an example for how states around the country can cost-effectively bring clean, affordable solar energy to millions of families who are facing the burden of rising energy costs," she said in the release. "We are proud to work with President Biden, his administration, and the many partners through this collaboration to ensure our most underserved customers have access to this innovative new resource.”
