Program Overviews
The Oregon Department of Energy is preparing to launch two new home energy rebate programs.
The two programs that make up the home energy rebate programs provide rebates for Oregonians to make energy-efficiency improvements or install eligible appliances in their homes.
The Home Efficiency Rebates Program (also known as HOMES) and the Home Electrification and Appliance Rebates Program (also known as HEAR) will provide rebates for high-efficiency home improvements and appliance installation to eligible single-family and multifamily households, particularly low- and moderate-income households. Learn more about which program is right for you below.
When the programs launch, homeowners and property owners will be able to verify income eligibility, view a list of eligible upgrades and appliances, apply for a rebate, and select from a list of Enrolled Contractors to install their project.
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No rebates are available at this time. We will post launch information as soon as we have more information on timeline from the U.S. Department of Energy.
There are several items that influence the programs’ launch schedule:
Launch approval | We’re seeking approval from the U.S. Department of Energy to launch our programs, which is a requirement of the federal grant.
Participation agreements | ODOE is working closely with Energy Trust of Oregon and Earth Advantage, the two organizations that will be processing rebates, and the Oregon Department of Justice to finalize the participation agreements for the programs. These legal documents provide information on terms and agreements for participants and contractors.
Program portal | We’re developing a program portal to allow for contractors to register to participate and manage projects, and for people to apply for rebates. It’s essential this portal functions smoothly.
The Oregon home energy rebate team anticipates the participation agreements, the program portal, and all other materials will be ready for launch within the next few months. However, in response to a federal Executive Order, U.S. DOE suspended their approvals of all launch requests from state home energy rebate programs as they review their agency’s overall priorities and published requirements for these programs. We don’t anticipate setting a new launch date until we have approval to launch from U.S. DOE.
Once we have approval, the home energy rebate programs will launch in phases.
Phase 1 | Upgrades to single-family homes: ODOE will open applications for HOMES and HEAR rebates for owner and tenant occupied single-family properties.
Phase 2 | Upgrades at multifamily properties: ODOE will open applications for HOMES and HEAR rebates for owner and tenant occupied multifamily properties, with upgrades that include shared heating and cooling systems, weatherization, upgrades to individual units, and upgrades to efficient appliances.
Phase 3 | In-store rebates: HEAR rebate coupons will be available for use at participating retail locations across the state with purchase of a qualifying appliance.
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ODOE was awarded over $113 million from the U.S. Department of Energy for two new home energy rebate programs that will provide financial incentives to single-family and multifamily households for eligible high-efficiency home improvements, appliances, and equipment.
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Energy Trust of Oregon and Earth Advantage will be responsible for processing rebates for the programs, including verifying income, reviewing applications, and more.
Find who is processing your rebate based on your utility provider. Energy Trust of Oregon will deliver the programs in areas served by PGE and Pacific Power. Earth Advantage will deliver the programs in the 38 consumer-owned and Idaho Power Company service areas.
Image courtesy of Energy Trust of Oregon
Which program is right for me?
Both programs are open to single and multifamily homes.
The Home Efficiency Rebate Program, also known as HOMES, is available to all income levels. HOMES offers performance-based rebates for efficiency equipment, associated upgrades, and weatherization projects. HOMES rebates require an energy assessment with model that demonstrates at least 20 percent projected energy savings.
The Home Electrification and Appliance Rebate Program, also known as HEAR, is only available to low- and moderate-income households. HEAR rebates are limited to specific eligible high-efficiency appliances and must be used to replace a non-electric appliance, be a first-time purchase, or used in new construction. HEAR rebates coupons will also be available for use at participating retail stores as part of the third phase of the program’s launch. Projects to install a heat pump for space heating and cooling will require the completion of a limited home energy assessment.
