Alaska Heat Pump Program Set to Launch After Funding Delays

Heat pumps

US: A federally funded program to help Alaskans reduce energy bills and emissions is expected to roll out this summer after delays. The program will provide lower-income households with USD 8,500 toward installing electric heat pumps, while higher-income households will receive either USD 6,000 or UAD 4,000. Cady Lister, senior energy advisor at Southeast Conference, said, "We do think that for households that have lower income, below 80% area median income, that the incentive should cover the full cost of the installation." Southeast Conference and Alaska Heat Smart received the grant, aiming to install more than 6,000 heat pumps in homes that primarily use fossil fuels or wood. Lister noted households must pay installation costs upfront and will be reimbursed later, adding that existing heating systems should not be removed as they may still be needed during extremely cold days.

Source: Alaska Public Media