Home Retrofit Programs Need to Be Designed for Contractors

Robust contractor participation in residential energy efficiency programs is as important as ever, especially with the rollout of the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) Home Energy Rebate Programs. But too often, energy efficiency programs are cumbersome, difficult, and expensive for contractors to participate in. 

This presentation will emphasize how program administrators can consider contractors' needs and experiences when designing energy efficiency programs. By creating contractor-friendly rebates, programs can expand the base of contractors who regularly recommend efficient technologies to customers, thereby driving market transformation.
The presentation will explore potential solutions to reduce the barriers contractors face in energy efficiency programs, including innovative approaches like measured savings programs that reduce the amount of required program inputs while increasing accountability. Additionally, the presentation will explain the role of "aggregators" in simplifying participation for contractors, particularly in the context of the IRA Home Energy Rebate Programs. After all, the success of rebate programs can be measured by the number of contractors that proudly offer heat pumps and other efficient technologies at the “kitchen table conversation.”