There is an important bill moving in the legislature. HB 1391, the Energy Upgrade Navigator Program, would help residents access state and federal clean energy investments to ensure we make good use of our climate programs, meet our climate goals, and save money for Washington consumers.

The Navigator program is a multi-faceted, community and resident outreach program and centralized information hub that helps Washington consumers navigate the many clean energy financial incentives available to them and connects them with qualified contractors for energy upgrades and retrofits.

There is a key hearing this week. Your leaders need to hear from you. Send a message now.

Washington state has already made funding available through the Department of Commerce, and local and utility programs to support the clean energy transition. Washingtonians are also eligible for rebates and tax credits through the federal Inflation Reduction Act to upgrade their homes and buildings and reap the health benefits and cost savings of going electric. But few consumers and small businesses – including families, local shops like hardware stores, and more – know how to access these programs or understand how they overlap. There’s a huge opportunity to connect the dots from federal, state, local, and utility programs to Washington residents, building owners, and contractors. Doing so will make good use of these public funds; and ensure that everyone—especially Black, Indigenous, and other people of color, low-income, and overburdened communities—benefits.

What we know:

• Numerous energy efficiency and electrification rebates, incentives, and tax credits are available.
• Urgency and consumer demand are here.
• BUT, knowing which benefits you qualify for and how to layer all of the programs is confusing for consumers.

That’s why HB 1391’s Energy Upgrade Navigator Program will:

• Create a central information hub for energy efficiency and electrification programs and funding, at a glance;
• Help homeowners and building owners access federal/state/local/utility clean energy funding;
• Connect residents to certified installers and energy auditors, prioritizing women- and minority-owned contractors;
• Provide community outreach and education, targeted to pollution-overburdened communities;
• Support workforce development and quality standards for installers.

The urgency of the climate crisis requires bold and meaningful action every single year. Thank you for making your voice heard today.