EVANSVILLE – Residents interested in learning more about Indiana’s new home energy rebate program have a chance this week.
The Indiana Office of Energy Development will host a public meeting Thursday, June 13 from 6:30 PM to 8:30 PM at the CK Newsome Center at 100 E. Walnut St. Advanced registration is not required but can be completed online.
After the in-person meetings are completed, a final virtual session will take place on June 27 from 5:30 PM to 6:00 PM CDT.
What is the energy discount program?
According to the OED, Indiana has received approximately $182 million in federal funds intended to be used for initiatives aimed at helping Hoosiers reduce energy costs. The U.S. Department of Energy administers the fund, which is part of the Inflation Reduction Act.
The money will help two main programs: Home Efficiency Rebate Program and Home Appliance Rebate Program.
Home efficiency rebate program
According to OED, HOMES is available for single-family and multi-family homes. Eligible work includes: air sealing, insulation and updates for “installation of a heat pump HVAC system, heat pump water heaters and other energy efficiency improvements.”
“Qualified energy efficiency upgrades that provide at least 20% in energy savings are eligible for rebates of up to $2,000 or 50% of the project cost,” according to the project website.
Discount program for home appliances
HEAR is intended for low- and moderate-income households, but is also open to single-family and multi-family homes.
Device and equipment upgrades include:
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High-efficiency equipment: heat pump water heaters, heat pumps for space heating and cooling, space heaters and clothes dryers.
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Electrical Upgrades: Critical improvements to the electrical system, such as service charging centers/panels and electrical wiring.
What is the timeline for the start of the program?
ODE plans to submit its plans to the federal government for approval in July and receive approval in September.
The start of the program is then expected in October.
Other ways to comment, ask questions
Comments and suggestions can be submitted via an online form on the Indiana Office of Energy Development website.
Questions can be sent by email to rebates@oed.in.gov.
This article originally appeared on the Evansville Courier & Press: Home energy rebates in Indiana will start soon. Here’s how you can learn more
