Last week, Maine launched a big home energy rebate program with funds from the Inflation Reduction Act. It’s the first of two long-awaited projects funded by the huge 2022 climate law, coming as the Biden administration works to speed this kind of money out the door ahead of the election.
Maine’s new $36 million home energy rebate program will fund efficient electric heat pumps and other electrification projects to help reduce emissions and cut fuel costs for low-income households, with an initial focus on manufactured homes and multifamily buildings.
The program is slated to expand to moderate-income families next year. It adds to Efficiency Maine’s existing electrification rebates, available in different amounts to Mainers at all income levels, along with existing federal tax credits for certain retrofits.
Phase two of Maine’s IRA implementation will come with another $36 million and focus on home efficiency upgrades. Those rebates are slated to …