Community ENERGY Navigator
The materials in this toolkit include best practices and resources. However, programs and resources are constantly changing. Be sure to check with government and policy partners for the latest developments.
PURPOSE OF THE PRACTITIONER TOOLKIT
This Practitioner Toolkit supports professionals in various fields, including housing counselors, financial coaches, energy program specialists, community engagement practitioners and others involved in affordable housing and community development, to serve as Navigators.
WHO IS A COMMUNITY ENERGY NAVIGATOR?
A Community Energy Navigator is a trusted, independent advisor for consumers. Navigators are often housing counselors or financial coaches who help homeowners and renters access and understand the value of investing in home weatherization and energy efficiency, home electrification, electric vehicle adoption, ways to create safer and healthier homes, and how to utilize incentives like rebates and tax credits. Navigators help by simplifying these complex programs and connecting homeowners and renters with qualified energy auditors and weatherization contractors. Additionally, Navigators raise awareness about common scams.
WHAT IS AVAILABLE TO HOUSEHOLDS?
In order to save energy and live in healthier homes, Navigators may need to help consumers understand:
REBATES for products and technology.
TAX CREDITS for things like alternative generation, storage and energy efficiency.
SEALING AND INSULATING the home from leaks, cracks or drafty space.
ENERGY SOURCE CHANGES either through rooftop or community solar.
SCAM AVOIDANCE and how to recognize qualified contractors.
BARRIERS TO HOUSEHOLD ADOPTION
Many consumers will hesitate before pursuing home energy upgrades. Why might your customers hesitate?
Cost
even with rebates and credits, these upgrades can be expensive!
Overwhelmed
by Options
there’s so many products on the market, many folks don’t know where to start.
Lack of Knowledge
many are interested in reducing their environmental impact but don’t really know what that involves.
Past Scams
past experiences with scams or substandard products may make consumers wary.
Lack of Examples
if a consumer is an early adopter, they are often nervous to try something they perceive as untested.
WHO’S WHO OF HOME ENERGY UPGRADES
Successful Navigators will need to work with a number of players. So, who is on the community energy team?
This toolkit will explore each of the above and detail their role in community energy navigation.
THE OPPORTUNITY
In most communities, there are several government, utility, and private programs to alleviate energy cost burdens for families and accelerate the transition to alternative energy sources for transportation, buildings and manufacturing. These provisions prioritize grassroots economic growth, with many offering incentives for projects located in low-income communities.
Funding for home energy upgrades is allocated through grant and loan programs and other investments to support sustainable and resilient homes. These programs often specifically target families and communities where resources are needed most. Some directives encompass Tribal lands, areas with historical environmental concerns, rural regions and legacy energy-producing communities.
Funding for organizations to support housing counseling and financial coaching staff who move into the Community Energy Navigator role, while limited, could include:
HOME ENERGY UPGRADE PROGRAM OPPORTUNITIES
Programs, Products, and Other Options for Homeowners and Renters:
REBATES
Income-based and non-income-based rebates may be available for energy-efficient home improvements designed to make investing in alternative energy upgrades affordable for homeowners and renter households.
TAX CREDITS
Homeowners may be eligible for tax credits for energy audits, electrical upgrades, appliance purchases, weatherization, energy-efficient windows and door installations, insulation, and heating and cooling systems.
GRANTS AND LOANS
Home weatherization initiatives, including income-based and Tribal-specific program assistance and enhanced financial support for alternative energy upgrades for homeowner and renter households.
Utility Programs
State, Tribal and local energy providers may provide incentives to homeowner and renter households.
Energy-Efficient Mortgage
Financing options designed to help homebuyers or homeowners afford energy-efficient upgrades or purchase homes with energy-saving features by factoring in the potential energy savings from these improvements.
Residential Rooftop Solar Energy
Various incentives may be available for homeowners installing rooftop solar panels and battery storage systems.
Community Solar Programs
Renters and homeowners who cannot install solar panels on their homes may be able to participate in a community solar program. In this program, they receive credits on their energy bills for supporting renewable energy projects.
Electric Vehicle (EVs) Incentives
Individuals purchasing new and used electric vehicles and homeowners installing home charging systems may qualify for local or manufacturing incentives.
Tribal Aligned Benefits
Specific resources are designated and available for Tribal communities, promoting energy sovereignty and sustainability.
Important: The availability of the alternative energy and energy-efficiency programs described within this toolkit varies widely across the United States. In addition to federal programs, various programs exist at the state, local, Tribal or utility levels. Navigators should remain informed about local opportunities and program updates.