ANCHORAGE, Alaska – The Alaska Housing Finance Corporation, working on behalf of the Alaska Energy Authority, was awarded $74 million on Thursday for rebate programs to help Alaskans electrify and improve the energy efficiency of their homes.
The Home Electrification and Appliance Rebates Program will provide point-of-sale rebates for low and median-income Alaskans to purchase appliances and weatherization materials including heat pumps, induction cook tops, and insulation for either 50 or 80% (or a maximum price cap) less than the retail cost.
The Home Efficiency Rebates will be available for Alaskans who retrofit their homes to improve energy savings by 20% or more, as approved by an energy auditor. Retrofits can include anything from new insulation to adding heat pumps or re-caulking windows. The rebates will be $2000-$8000 or 50-80% of the project depending on income and total energy savings. There is no income cap on this rebate program.
These rebate programs will help Alaskans to save energy and long term get more of their energy from renewable sources. This will in turn save them money, reduce greenhouse gas pollution and help protect Alaska’s environment for future generations.
Both programs will become available later this year. It can take time to research options, schedule an auditor and budget for the remaining costs, so folks should begin planning now.
In response, Alaska Environment Research & Policy Center’s Clean Energy Associate Natasha Daney issued the following statement:
“This is an incredible opportunity for Alaskans to improve their homes, save money both in the short and long term, and help the environment, all at the same time. The rebate programs will make it possible for more Alaskans to use clean energy more efficiently and reduce their home’s impact on our state’s pristine nature. We hope that all of Alaska jumps on this opportunity soon.”
In response, Alaska Environment Research & Policy Center’s State Director Dyani Chapman issued the following statement:
“While renewable energy and efficient energy use are the best choices for a healthy and beautiful Alaska, they take an upfront investment. These rebates will allow more Alaskans to make sure their homes are efficient and ready to use clean renewable energy as our grid transitions toward wind, solar, and geothermal energy sources. The cherry on top? It will reduce Alaskans’ utility bills too.”
