Yesterday, the Department of Energy released guidance restricting how households can use Inflation Reduction Act home energy rebates, effectively eliminating support for families seeking to replace gas, propane, or fuel oil equipment with efficient electric alternatives. The move limits consumer choice and undermines one of the law's primary goals: helping households reduce energy costs through home energy upgrades.

In response, Rewiring America issued the following statement:

"Americans need more options to lower their energy bills, not fewer.

Millions of households have been waiting for these rebates so they can replace aging, inefficient equipment that is costing them money every month. The rebate program was designed to help households choose the technologies that make the most sense for their homes, budgets and energy needs.

Our analysis shows that 34 million households that heat with gas and delivered fuels would save money from switching to heat pumps, saving an average of $730 per year. And 41 million households that heat their water with gas and delivered fuels would save from switching to heat pump water heaters, saving an average of $120 per year.

After the Energy Department held these funds for nearly a year and a half, this guidance moves in the opposite direction by taking an option off the table for families who want to replace older gas and expensive delivered fuels equipment with efficient electric alternatives. At a time when energy costs continue to strain household budgets, policymakers should be expanding access to cost-saving solutions, not narrowing them. Families deserve the freedom to choose the upgrades that will help them save money and take greater control of their energy costs."