An unprecedented amount of funding for renewable energy and energy efficiency (together, “clean energy”) projects is currently being made available for Alaskans.

The Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) introduced and expanded tax credits for clean energy technologies including game-changing new provisions that enable tax-exempt and governmental entities—such as states, local governments, Tribes, territories, and nonprofits—to take an active role in building the clean energy economy.

The IRA also invested billions of dollars in rebate programs aimed at providing low- and middle-income households point-of-sale discounts on high-efficiency home appliances and equipment and reducing the upfront cost for all households that take whole-home measures to increase energy efficiency. The Alaska Housing Finance Corporation is currently developing these programs to be implemented across the state.

And the USDA’s Rural Energy for America Program (REAP) provides guaranteed loan financing and grant funding to agricultural producers and rural small businesses for renewable energy systems or to make energy efficiency improvements. Agricultural producers may also apply for new energy efficient equipment and new system loans for agricultural production and processing.

With such a wealth of opportunity available to us, determining which opportunities to pursue and how to do so can seem daunting. That is why we were thrilled to welcome an amazing panel of subject matter experts to present key information and answer questions during this first installment in our 2024 Fall Energy Speaker Series!

Details

What: An in-depth discussion with our esteemed panel of experts on the myriad opportunities for Alaskans to fund clean energy improvements for their homes and businesses available via the Inflation Reduction Act tax credits (including direct pay options); the Alaska Housing Finance Corporation’s forthcoming home efficiency, electrification, and appliance rebate program; and the USDA REAP program for businesses and agricultural producers.

Where: YouTube – watch here

Who:

• Ryan Whalen – Specials Assistant to the President and Senior Advisor for States and Implementation, White House Office of Intergovernmental Affairs
• Rachel McCleery – Senior Advisor, U.S. Department of Treasury Inflation Reduction Act Program Office
• Dan Smith – State Energy Coordinator, U.S. Department of Agriculture Rural Energy
• Ethan Stoops – Energy Program Information Manager, Research & Rural Development, Alaska Housing Finance Corporation
• Jenny Starrs – ANEEE Program Manager, Renewable Energy Alaska Project

When: This free webinar was held from noon to 1 p.m. on Wednesday, October 9, 2024.

Email REAP’s outreach director, Donovan Russoniello, at drussoniello@realaska.org with any questions.