Home Energy Rebate Program
stop South Dakota from forfeiting $68m
In August, South Dakota became the only state or territory in the United States to not participate in the Home Efficiency Rebates and the Home Electrification and Appliance Rebates (collectively know by the acronym HEEHRA). As a result, we forfeited the $68 million allocation for our state – which would have returned our tax dollars to the wallets of our citizens through direct pay rebates of up to $14,000 per household.
South Dakota’s $68 million portion of the Home Energy Rebate Program funds could now be redistributed to the 49 states that are participating.
“South Dakota is a small state; our employees work hard for our people, and it is difficult to administer large new federal programs,”
“We do not believe it is in the best interest of the state to hire new employees supported with temporary federal funding, especially knowing that in two or three years the program may be discontinued, resulting in staff layoffs.”
“We also consider the underlying policy of the federal program that is being pushed at the federal level from the federal funding. In the case of this Green New Deal energy rebate program, which was authorized by the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA), none of South Dakota’s federal delegation voted for the bill and have been critical of many aspects of the legislation. We do not believe using federal taxpayer funds to entice people to switch from one appliance to another is a good policy and it should not be influenced or subsidized by the government.”
– Colin Keeler, South Dakota Director of Financial Systems
Source: Newsweek
“Even if the excuse of having limited staff to administer the funds is legitimate, it’s the wrong call,” Beene told Newsweek. “We’re talking about millions of dollars in federal aid that will now be unable to reach state residents. That’s an incredible setback, especially in our current economy. Normally, even states who disagree with the Presidential Administration in control take funding like this. It’s a baffling decision.”
– Alex Beene, a financial literacy instructor for the University of Tennessee at Martin
Source: Newsweek
“We’re missing out on some funds that could help our people” – Sen. Larry Zikmund, R-Sioux Falls, Legislative Budget Committee
Source: South Dakota Searchlight
“I think it’s extremely unfortunate that we made the decision for the people of South Dakota not to apply for this opportunity” – Rep. Linda Duba, D-Sioux Falls
Source: South Dakota Searchlight
“Governor Noem seems to put her own political posturing in front of the needs of people in South Dakota” – Reynold Nesiba, D-Sioux Falls, South Dakota Senate Minority Leader
Source: Newsweek
“It’s not manna from heaven …These are taxpayer dollars that somebody paid in.” – Rep. Chris Karr, R-Sioux Falls
Source: South Dakota Searchlight
KOTA News – South Dakota risks losing $69 million allocated for rebate program
South Dakota Searchlight – South Dakotans grow frustrated waiting for state to apply for $69 million in energy rebate funding
Newsweek – Democrats Upset After State Turns Down $69 Million in Rebates
Dakota News Now – SD Dems respond to Noem administration rejecting energy rebate program
South Dakota Standard – Gov. Noem, putting politics over people, once again denies South Dakotans access to crucial federal funds
KELO-AM – South Dakota rejecting Federal energy rebate money
i signed, what now?
We are outraged that the state government has failed to act in the interest of its residents. The refusal to participate means that our tax dollars will go to other states, with no benefit coming back to South Dakota. This is not sound fiscal policy — it is a betrayal of the taxpayers of SD who expect their state government to fight for every dollar we are entitled to.
Unless our lawmakers hear from us, they will not know that we want to see funds like these made available in South Dakota. Please take a moment to contact your legislators by writing a brief email expressing your interest in seeing South Dakota bring our tax dollars home.
- Bring back our tax dollars to benefit South Dakota instead of sending it to other states.
- Stop passing up federal programs that make sense for South Dakota.
- Put South Dakotans first by investing time and effort into policies that benefit our communities.
- Ensure South Dakota doesn’t fall behind while every other state benefits.
how does the home rebate program work?
Our tax dollars should benefit us, and not just go to other states. This rebate program returns $68 million directly to the pockets of hard-working South Dakotans.
Home weatherization (insulation, air sealing, ventilation)
Appliance upgrades (water heaters, HVAC systems)
Electrical updates including wiring and breaker boxes
- Small Business owners – Appliance retailers, service providers (electricians, plumbers, contractors), and others through direct rebates issued at the time of sale or service.
- Moderate to Low Income Households, roughly 75% of South Dakota households
Upgrading electrical wiring, breaker boxes, and ventilation promotes health and safety in the home by reducing fire risks and increasing the air quality.
Increasing energy use efficiency reduces the cost of monthly utility bills. Average annual savings between $377-$493 per household.
Active and engaged citizens are what shape our communities and keep them healthy and thriving.
Many of DRA’s members belong to one of our local chapters working in communities across the state. Our chapters help advance our mission on the local level and make South Dakota an even better place to live, work and play. Join one of our local chapters today and help us build a better South Dakota!