Eligible Rhode Island Households Can Use the Federal Home Energy Rebate Programs to Save Energy, Save Money on Energy-Efficient Electrical Upgrades, and Lower Housing Costs

Investing in America Agenda Provides Added Support to Rhode Island’s Existing Energy-Efficiency Programs, Giving Residents More Opportunities to Save

PROVIDENCE, R.I.—As part of President Biden’s Investing in America agenda, the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) announced today that Rhode Island has launched its first federal Home Energy Rebates program, supported by the Inflation Reduction Act. Rhode Island is the fifth state in the nation to launch a Home Energy Rebates program. The Home Electrification and Appliance Rebates (HEAR) portion of the rebate program that Rhode Island launched today will enable low- and middle-income households to save on energy-efficiency improvements.

Rhode Island’s launch is part of the Biden-Harris Administration’s nationwide initiative to provide $8.8 billion in Federal funding for states, territories, and Tribes to lower energy costs and increase efficiency in American homes by making it cheaper to install cost-saving measures such as heat pumps, electrical panels, and insulation, which helps save money on housing costs. These energy-saving measures will save American households up to $1 billion annually in energy costs and support an estimated 50,000 U.S. jobs in residential construction, manufacturing, and other sectors. These investments also advance the President’s Justice40 Initiative, which sets a goal that 40% of the overall benefits of certain federal climate, clean energy, affordable and sustainable housing, and other investments flow to disadvantaged communities that are marginalized by underinvestment and overburdened by pollution.

“Rhode Island is already ahead of the game with an existing rebates program helping thousands of homeowners save money on energy-efficient upgrades, and the Biden-Harris administration is helping thousands more reap these same benefits,” said U.S. Secretary of Energy Jennifer M. Granholm. “Thanks to the Investing in America agenda, Rhode Island can expand its program to include electric stoves, electric panel upgrades, and more—a shining example of how state and federal programs can work together to maximize the impact for American consumers.”

“Home energy rebates for clean and energy-efficient appliances and upgrades are good for the planet because they help cut pollution; but more importantly they are good for Rhode Islanders because they will save money by lowering energy bills,” said John Podesta, Senior Advisor to the President for International Climate Policy. “Congratulations to Rhode Island for making these game-changing Inflation Reduction Act incentives available to their residents.”

“The Home Electrification and Appliance Rebates Program will help many Rhode Islanders update to ENERGY STAR appliances in their homes,” said Governor Dan McKee. “This initiative is another positive step in reducing our state's carbon emissions and creating good-paying jobs necessary for the clean energy transition.”

“The federal government is energizing our economy and enabling more Rhode Islanders to make cost-effective home electrification upgrades. Made possible by the landmark Inflation Reduction Act these rebates will lower household energy costs and fight climate change while bolstering America’s energy independence and strengthening U.S. manufacturing,” said U.S. Senator Jack Reed.

“I was very glad to help secure federal funding in the historic Inflation Reduction Act to jumpstart Rhode Island’s Home Electrification and Appliance Rebates program which was designed to help working families who are getting squeezed by high utility bills,” said U.S. Senator Sheldon Whitehouse. “I hope Rhode Islanders will take full advantage of this opportunity get brand new appliances at a steep discount make home improvements save money on their electric bills.”

Many Americans spend a large portion of their monthly income heating cooling powering their homes To advance objectives rebate programs DOE requiring states territories allocate least half rebates low-income households defined those earning 80% less area median income expected benefit many households disadvantaged communities States territories must also submit Community Benefits Plans ensure good jobs economic opportunities available To help keep consumers informed equipped resources DOE recently released Consumer Bill Rights framework encouraging state territorial Tribal rebates programs adopt it

Rhode Islands Home Energy Rebate Programs

Rhode Island launching HEAR program one two programs making up Federal Home Energy Rebate programs two phases Initially focus issuing rebates low-income households defined those earning 80% less area median income six Community Action Partnerships CAPs nonprofit agencies partner state administer energy efficiency programs long-standing Weatherization Assistance Program WAP WAP received $15 million more than ten-fold increase under President Bidens Bipartisan Infrastructure Law CAP representatives visit low-income households conduct home assessments determine household energy needs

Rhode Islands HEAR offer rebates measures not available through existing state programs Eligible residents able save up:

$4 000 electrical panel

$2 500 electrical wiring

$840 electric stove cooktop range oven ENERGY STAR-certified electric heat pump clothes dryer

State existing rebate program heat pumps heat pump water heaters Clean Heat RI

Rhode Island plans make HEAR available moderate-income households earning between 80% 150% area median income There second Home Energy Rebates program also launch later Under Home Efficiency Rebates households save money measures reduce whole-home consumption

Heating cooling your home shouldn’t cost fortune todays announcement help especially heading colder months said Representative Seth Magaziner RI-02 Proud among leading way implement thanks historic investments Through support upgrade lowering monthly bill reducing carbon footprint achieve ambitious net-zero emissions by 2050

The launch reduce burden Acting Office Resources Commissioner Chris Kearns In addition empowering consumers helps efficient necessary step achieving goals For information visit website

More States Get Ready Rebate Launch DOE continues receive approve applications Tribes launch To date states applied early administrative or full awarded more than $1 billion implement received applications from both awarded fourteen full launch Each charge setting running own weeks expected several helping families check status your www.energy.gov/save/rebates For information visit www.energy.gov/save

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