Sam Friesen, managing director of buildings for Fresh Energy, a Minnesota-based environmental advocacy group, said the guidelines are a “fundamental departure” from the intent of the programs. He added that the changes will muddy the waters for consumers who had plans under the old rules and now have to comply with the new rules.
Robin Yochum, program director for buildings at the Southwest Energy Efficiency Project, a Colorado-based regional nonprofit, said he’s pleased to see the move to implement the programs, but he’s concerned about fuel-switching restrictions.
“While there are certainly many electric-heated homes that deserve an efficiency upgrade, helping households transition from propane, fuel oil and natural gas to highly efficient electric technologies was one of the most transformative aspects of the original program design,” he said.
In response, a Department of Energy spokesperson commented: “The Department of Energy has made common sense adjustments to program management to more closely align requirements with statutory requirements, increase accessibility, ensure good stewardship of taxpayer funds, and empower grantees to tailor their programs to local contexts and resident needs.”
State programs administer the money, but the federal government must approve state plans before funds are released. Most states and the District of Columbia have approved at least some of their plans, as indicated May 18 update from Atlas Public Policy.
Some have already paid benefits based on original rules during the Biden administration. Those states now have three months to modify their programs to accommodate the new leadership.
South Dakota refused to participate and The Idaho legislature moved to end its participation.
Consumers can contact their state energy department for more information on program availability.
Dan Gearino covers the business and politics of renewable energy and utilities, often with an emphasis on the US Midwest. He is the lead author of ICN’s Inside Clean Energy newsletter. He came to ICN in 2018 after a nine-year stint at The Columbus Dispatch, where he covered the energy business. Before that, he covered politics and business in Iowa and New Hampshire. He grew up in Warren County, Iowa, south of Des Moines, and lives in Columbus, Ohio.
This story appeared first Domestic Climate News.
