FAQ

Visit mtenergyrebates.com regularly where you can sign up for program updates and view informational listening session recordings. For more information, email us at [email protected]

No, rebates associated with the Montana Home Energy Rebates Program are not yet available. DEQ has received Early Administrative funding from DOE for the initial design and development of the programs. Please check the Program Status Tracker and sign up for email notifications to stay updated on the progress.

• • Program Status Tracker
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Eligible rebates are dependent on the program path selected and household income. Rebate caps are being finalized with the Department of Energy. The caps will be published prior to the program launching. Sign up for updates to be notified of program developments.

Federal regulations prevent applicants from applying federal grants and/or rebates from more than one program to the same single upgrade. Due to funding limitations and a desire to assist as many households as possible, DEQ may limit participation to one program in the initial launch. Please refer to final program rules upon rollout for guidance.

Energy assessments under the Montana Home Energy Rebates Program have stringent qualification standards in line with DOE guidance. DEQ is exploring the possibility of accepting third party assessments that meet criteria established by DOE.

DEQ will launch an online application for applicants to apply, submit documentation, find contractors, schedule appointments, track progress, and complete projects. DEQ will also be providing call-in and mail options for applicants that do not have access to the internet.

Most appliance rebates under the HEAR program do not require a home energy assessment. Installation of a heat pump for primary space heating will require a limited home assessment. All projects under HER do require a home energy assessment.

Rebate eligibility for both programs is based on Area Median Income (AMI). Additional information on qualifications and how to apply will be released upon program launch.

The HER program incentive amounts will be tiered based on whether your gross household income falls above or below 80% AMI with no income cap. You will receive a higher rebate amount if your income is less than 80% AMI, and households with income at or above 80% AMI will receive a lower rebate amount.

The HEAR program incentives are tiered based on whether your gross household income is under 80% AMI, or between 80% and 150% of AMI. Eligibility is capped at 150% AMI. You will receive a higher rebate amount if your income is under 80% AMI and a lower rebate amount if your income is between 80% and 150% AMI. You will not be eligible for rebates under the HEAR program if your gross household income exceeds 150% AMI.

You can find AMI amounts by state, county and number of household members on the Housing and Urban Development (HUD) website. Note that on the linked page provided here, you will need to select “Montana” and your county. The 80% of AMI income limit will be displayed for your household size, and you will need to calculate the 150% AMI amount based off that figure.

Please note AMI amounts vary by year and there is an allowance for flexibility in the rebate amounts available at a given AMI in the HER program. The HUD website should only be used as a general guideline for program eligibility until the rebate programs are available.

There are multiple paths for an applicant to confirm income eligibility. Applicants can verify income through submittal of approved income documentation or by providing proof of categorical eligibility through participation in approved low-income programs. Categorically eligible programs may include:

• Montana Weatherization Assistance Program (WAP)
• Montana Low Income Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP)
• Medicaid
• Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP)
• National School Lunch Program – Free (NSLP)
• Head Start
• Lifeline Support for Affordable Communications (Lifeline)
• Housing Improvement Program (HIP)
• Food Distribution Program on Indian Reservations (FDPIR)
• Supplemental Security Income (SSI)
• Privately owner multifamily buildings receiving project-based assistance (Section 8, Section 202, Section 811)
• Public Housing (Housing owned and operated by Public Housing Authorities)
• Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC)

DEQ is currently studying the feasibility of point-of-sale rebates for certain self-install projects.

DEQ is developing pathways within the program and through partnerships with other funding sources to maximize coverage of costs and access to rebates for income qualified applicants.

Retroactive projects completed before the program launch date will not qualify for rebates.

A Home energy assessments are comprehensive studies that determine an overall efficiency rating and prioritize conservation measures for the home. These studies result in recommendations for energy efficiency projects that will maximize energy savings, indoor air quality and home comfort.

Program approved energy auditors who meet the qualifications under these programs will be performing the home energy assessments. Qualifications and training pathways for approved energy auditors will be forthcoming.

A Contingent upon DOE approval, DEQ is proposing that applicants who fall under 80% AMI will have the cost of the assessment fully covered by the program. The portion of audit costs covered for customers above 80% AMI is yet to be established.

A Eligible participants will receive rebates through reduced prices for qualified expenses and equipment. The program contractor will be reimbursed for these reductions after project completion.

A The program will collect data from various sources. DEQ will have a strict information and security policy in place to protect all collected program data including limiting sensitive data collection, use of encryption software for transmitting PII, multi-factor authentication for account access, and immediate reporting and action on all potential breaches.

A Contractors have a key role to play in the program. DOE guidance requires that only approved program contractors will be able to participate in the program. Program contractors may provide customer outreach and education, energy assessments, application information and resources, installation of qualified measures, and program feedback.

Sign up for updates to keep apprised of program progress. Partnerships with contractors will be incredibly important as the program develops. When talking to your clients about the programs, keep in mind that they are still in the planning and application phase. Forecasted incentives and guidelines are subject to change.

A DEQ is exploring the feasibility of certain DIY projects to receive rebates.

A DEQ is developing a contractor training and certification process to ensure that all program approved contractors meet the required qualifications to perform assessments and provide high-quality installations of eligible equipment.

DEQ will provide additional incentives to program contractors who complete installations in identified disadvantage communities (DACs). DEQ also hopes to provide administrative program support through an online application portal, call centers and in the form of service navigators.

DEQ is developing quality assurance and control protocols as part of our Consumer Protection Plan to prevent and resolve adverse customer interactions.

DEQ is developing partnerships with other state agencies, tribal and local governments, utility companies & cooperatives, distributors, contractors, housing authorities, and other community-based organizations focused on housing, workforce development, and/or serving underserved communities.

Income qualified members of electric cooperatives living in eligible, single and multifamily residences will qualify for rebates under HER and HEAR. DEQ is working with local electric cooperatives to bring these programs to their often-underserved service areas.