INDIANAPOLIS — Soon, the federal government will give $182 million to Indiana to help people all over the state use less energy and save money on it.
Once the state’s plan is accepted by the U.S. Department of Energy later this year, the money will be given out through two different programs.
“We are very excited about the chances,” said Ryan Hadley of the Indiana Office of Energy Development. “The whole point is that customers won’t have to pay for all of the investments made through these programs out of their own pockets.”
They are offering a program called HOMES that will help people in Indiana save money on things like new insulation, air sealing, and duct work. Any Indiana home can apply, but they have to show that installing new insulation could help them save at least 20% on their energy bills.
Hadley said, “Once they apply, they get an energy audit, and that audit has to meet certain standards.” “If a customer makes less than 80% of the area median income, they will get twice as many discounts as people who make more than that amount.”
The Home Appliance Rebate Program, or HEAR, on the other hand, would offer discounts on new air conditioners, heat pumps, and water heaters. Hadley, however, said that the scheme would only help households with low to moderate incomes.
“People whose income is 150 percent or less of the area median income can apply,” Hadley said.
Hadley said that both projects could help people in Indiana for three to four years after they start.
Hadley said, “Its exact amount will depend on the energy audit, but it’s no more than $14,000.”
In the next two weeks, there will be meetings in Indianapolis, Fort Wayne, and Evansville to talk about both programs and get more information. Hadley said he thinks the shows will start in late 2024 or early 2025.
