Archived Federal Programs

American Rescue Plan Act— Congress passed the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) in 2021 to address economic impacts due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Congress directed nearly $200 million of that funding directly to Vermont’s cities, towns, and villages, giving city councils and selectboards discretion over how to spend their allocations. Read more.

Inflation Reduction Act

Passed in 2022, the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) represented the largest federal investment in clean energy, energy efficiency, and climate action in U.S. history.

Since 2025, however, several IRA-funded programs have been modified, delayed, reduced, or placed under review, creating uncertainty around the present and future availability of incentives. While certain tax credits and funding opportunities remain available, others have been scaled back or are undergoing administrative and legislative changes. Vermonters interested in IRA-related programs should verify current eligibility and funding status before making project plans.

The HOMES Rebate Program provided performance-based incentives for whole-home energy efficiency improvements. The program was authorized through the Inflation Reduction Act, and has since been reworked by the Trump administration to no longer cover switching from fossil fuels to electricity for heating. Dialogue around the program and allocated funding is still underway. Read more.Other IRA programs worth exploring are the Home Electrification and Appliance Rebates (HEAR), direct pay for tax-exempt entities, Solar for All, and Climate Pollution Reduction Grants

Vermont League of Cities and Towns: Tax Incentives Municipalities Can Use to Further Their Energy Goals – Learn how municipalities can use the IRA tax incentives (like the 30% discount on solar) here.

Rewiring America’s Guide to the Inflation Reduction Act is a comprehensive guide that digs into what the IRA means for YOU! It reviews key timelines, covers everything you need to know about electric appliances, explores case studies of various households, provides a template for your personalized plan, & more here.

Watch Sustainable Woodstock’s Webinar: How Can the IRA Help You Go Electric?This presentation by Matt Christie dives into the residential consumer benefits of the IRA. Watch the recording here, read about it here, and download Matt’s presentation slides here.

Rewiring America’s IRA Fact Sheets provide a breakdown of rebates, tax credits, and more. View the fact sheets here.

Efficiency Vermont Article: How the new climate law could help you save money. This short article contains links to financial incentives for home energy projects that are included in the IRA. View the article here.

The White House Clean Energy for All Website provided a breakdown of rebates and tax credits offered by the new law. Those resources are no longer available.