Georgia Home Energy Rebates Community Outreach
Southface Institute’s Advocacy team, as part of the Energy Efficiency for All | Georgia Coalition—with our partners at Partnership for Southern Equity and Groundswell—has been traveling across the state to raise awareness and understanding of the Georgia Environmental Finance Authority’s (GEFA) Home Energy Rebate Programs for single-family households.
Working alongside GEFA and their program administrators, Guidehouse and Utility Energy Services, we’ve helped host and attend workshops designed to connect communities with accurate information, resources, and expert advice. These sessions feature insights directly from the teams developing and implementing the rebate programs:
- Home Efficiency Rebates (HER)
- Home Electrification and Appliance Rebates (HEAR)
Below is a screenshot from the Georgia Environmental Finance Authority’s Rebate Dashboard, showing how much funding has been used, what specific rebates were used, where they were used, and more.
A Historic Investment in Georgians
Thanks to GEFA’s leadership, Georgia has been awarded $220 million in federal funding to launch these rebate programs. This investment will make it more affordable for households to upgrade to higher-efficiency appliances, improve indoor air quality, reduce utility bills, and support the transition to high-performing, electric buildings.
While these incentives are available to all, low- and moderate-income households are a top priority, with higher rebate levels built into the programs to ensure equitable access and greater impact.
Why These Workshops Matter
Our workshops are not about pushing homeowners to replace every appliance immediately or rush into major renovations. Instead, they are about giving Georgians the tools and knowledge they need to make smart, cost-effective decisions—whether that’s when an appliance fails, or when a home’s heating and cooling systems are no longer keeping up.
By learning what’s available, residents can plan ahead, connect with trusted experts and advocates, and take advantage of rebates when the timing is right. These conversations also help demystify the process, building trust and confidence in the resources available.
Reaching Communities Across the State
So far, we’ve been grateful for the opportunity to bring these workshops and resources to communities in Atlanta, Valdosta, Savannah, Macon, and Helen—and we’re not done yet. More sessions are planned, including a return to Atlanta and Forest Park this October.
We also want to extend our thanks to our funder Movement Strategy Center and our partners with the North Georgia Conservation Coalition, Vicars Community Church, Georgians Organized to Thrive and Survive, the Center for Sustainable Communities, and Infinite Energy Advisors for their invaluable help in preparing and running these workshops. Each stop has reinforced how important it is to meet people where they are, ensuring the benefits of clean energy and efficiency upgrades are shared by all Georgians.