LINCOLN, Neb. — The Nebraska Department of Environment and Energy (NDEE) plans to apply for $91 million through two non-competitive grants funded through the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA).

These grant funds are known as the residential Home Energy Rebate programs -- specifically, the Home Energy Performance-Based Whole House Rebate (Home Efficiency Rebates) and the High-Efficiency Electric Home Rebate Program (Home Electrification and Appliance Rebates).

“These home energy rebates will help Nebraskan households save money on energy bills, improve home comfort, and reduce air pollution and reliance on fossil fuels,” NDEE Director Jim Macy said.

NDEE is currently developing its rebate programs and preparing its application for the grants, which is due to the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) on Jan. 31, 2025. DOE issued guidance to states for applying for the Home Energy Rebate Programs in late July 2023.

“While these programs provide a good opportunity for the State, the rebate programs are complicated and will take some time to develop,” Macy said.

Once the program is established and NDEE has received the funds, rebates to Nebraskans will remain available to Nebraskans through Sept. 30, 2031, or until the funds are expended.

The amount of money available per household will vary depending on several factors:

· what technology or technologies are being installed in the home;

· if the project has estimated energy savings and how those energy savings are calculated;

· the household’s income; and

· the total project cost.

Rebate recipients could potentially receive up to $14,000 for a Home Electrification Rebate and low-income households could receive up to $8,000 for a Home Efficiency Rebate. Approximately 40% of the rebate funding will go to low-income households in the state.

Home Energy Rebates funds are not yet available. Households in Nebraska looking for home energy retrofit assistance today cannot yet access these rebates, but may be eligible for other state and federal programs, including federal tax credits or the Weatherization Assistance Program and Dollar & Energy Saving Low-Interest Loan Program.

Status updates on the Home Energy Rebate programs and other energy rebate and grant programs available through the IRA and the Infrastructure Investments and Jobs Act can be found here NDEE Energy Programs.