Under new program changes adopted by Alaska Housing Finance Corporation (AHFC), beginning July 1, 2013, Alaska homeowners participating in the Home Energy Rebate Program for new construction may qualify for a “6 Star” energy rating. The sixth star will be awarded for homes that meet the highest energy rating, and may be rewarded with a $10,000 rebate.
By: Soren Johansson, AHFC Public Relations Manager
ANCHORAGE, AK, June 4, 2013 – Under new program changes adopted by Alaska Housing Finance Corporation (AHFC), beginning July 1, 2013, Alaska homeowners participating in the Home Energy Rebate Program for new construction may qualify for a “6 Star” energy rating. The sixth star will be awarded for homes that meet the highest energy rating, and may be rewarded with a $10,000 rebate.
Previously, the highest energy efficiency standard recognized by AHFC was the “5 Star Plus” rating that allowed homeowners a $7,500 rebate. The “5 Star Plus” program continues, but applications filed on or after July 1 will be incentivized by a $7,000 rebate.
The program changes are based on a unanimous decision by the AHFC board of directors in April to increase the Building Energy Efficiency Standards (BEES) for homes. BEES sets building energy use standards for thermal resistance, air leakage, moisture protection and ventilation. The change in regulation means BEES will follow the 2012 International Energy Conservation Code with amendments unique to Alaska.
“Money invested in home energy efficiency provides a real return to the people of our state,” said AHFC CEO and Executive Director Dan Fauske. “Homeowners in Anchorage who have participated in the Home Energy Rebate Program have saved on average $1,033 per year and have generated millions of dollars of construction activity. The move by our board to incentivize Alaskans to take advantage of proven energy-efficient trends allows residents to save more money and ensures that Alaska is leading the country in this endeavor.”
The Home Energy Rebate Program was established in 2008 to work alongside the Weatherization Program that assists lower-income Alaskans. Combined, both programs have received more than $500 million in funding from the legislature. Cash incentives for new construction are subject to program popularity and future funding.
Program information and guidelines will be made available on AHFC’s website http://www.ahfc.us/efficiency/energy-programs/ beginning July 1, 2013 or contact Soren Johansson, AHFC Public Relations Manager at (907) 540-2000 or by email sjohansson@ahfc.us
