Reach for the Stars - Energy Efficient Stars

This year the Alaska State Legislature appropriated $100 million for Home Energy Rebates (SB 256). They struck a nerve.

According to Scott Anaya at Alaska Buidling Science Network (ABSN), and Scott Waterman, at Alaska Housing Finance Corporation (AHFC), the response is nearly overwhelming – overwhelming because a homeowner has to have an energy rating before and after implementation of efficiencies in order to qualify for the rebate. So AHFC and ABSN are scrambling to train energy raters in a hurry. Let’s talk about how the rebate program works, and then let’s talk about two methods for Haines to get ahold of energy raters.

For starters, download the Home Energy Rebate Grant Program guidelines. (Scroll down the page until you get to "Click here for program guidelines.") Note that the rebates are available only to homeowners who are year-round occupants of the upgraded home.

The amount of the rebate is based on moving up the Alaska Home Energy Rating star steps. The system moves from one to five stars, two steps per star, so ten steps altogether. There are maximums on rebates. If you move just one step, the maximum rebate is $4000; if you move five or more steps, the maximum is $10,000.

The rebate reimburses recommended energy efficiency expenses only. For example, if you are able to move 6 steps for a mere $3500, you get $3500, not $10,000.00. You are allowed to do the work yourself.

There is no doubt about it. This is an awesome program. It is a spend-to-save program. And the savings will keep on coming in the form of reduced heating and electricity bills long after the money has been spent.

Now back to that one essential person: the certified Energy Rater. To participate, your home must be evaluated by an AkWarm rater. None of the 4 dozen raters live in Haines. Four live in Juneau. AHFC recognizes that this is a problem. More raters are needed, so right now, if you qualify as an applicant for the energy rater training (2 years experience related to residential construction, weatherization, etc.) you can get trained for free! Unfortunately, although AHFC will pay tuition, there is no funding for transportation, housing, or meals. I asked. But when I described this situation at last night's Haines Borough Assembly meeting, a member of our community approached me and offered to help pay transportation and housing for a Haines applicant! So I think we can make this work. Please don't let finances deter you if you have always wanted to be an Home Energy Rater! This is a very good time to add that skill set to your resume.

The Energy Rater class calendar will be posted on the Alaska Building Science Network website. Classes will be held first in Anchorage and Fairbanks - later in Southeast – probably Juneau, Sitka, Ketchikan. According to Scott Waterman at AHFC, the initial focus is up north because the building season there is shortest. To get started, download and submit an application.

Meanwhile, Mr. Waterman challenged me to identify 6 Haines homeowners willing to get an AkWarm Energy Rating on their residences. If I do that, then I can call him up, and he will send a rater down to get us started. Count me in! How about you? Give me a call at 766-2718.