How to enroll
To enroll, contractors must:
- Be enrolled as an Energy Trust of Oregon trade ally
- Register separately as an an Enrolled Contractor.
- Complete all required training
Contractor enrollment open!
Starting October 12th you can enroll on ODOE’s program website.
After you enroll, register for the initial trainings:
Participation pathways
Contractors can participate in the home energy rebate programs through three different pathways:
- Installer–Focuses on completing quality installations in accordance with program guidelines. Installers may serve as primary or supporting installers and are responsible for carrying out approved energy efficiency and electrification upgrades and submitting required documentation.
- Home energy assessor–Conducts in‑home energy assessments and generates Home Energy Scores. Home energy assessors work closely with energy modelers and installers to support project eligibility and ensure accurate assessment data.
- Energy modeler–Performs energy modeling using BPI-2400-compliant software to estimate energy savings and support project proposals. Energy modelers collaborate closely with home energy assessors and installers to define project scope and verify performance outcomes.
Each pathway includes specific training and participation requirements, and contractors may choose to participate in one or more pathways based on their services and qualifications.
Training
After registering, contractors will need to complete dedicated trainings for the home energy rebate programs. At least one employee from each participating business must complete program orientation and sign the required agreements; however, trainings are open to all company employees.
Contractor staff who will be delivering projects to customers will be required to complete additional technical training specific to their participation pathway.
Most trainings will be conducted online and are designed to equip teams with the knowledge and tools needed to deliver high-quality installations, manage projects effectively, and meet program requirements.
Registered contractors will receive updates about key dates and how to access online trainings.
Frequently Asked Questions
These frequently asked questions are designed to help enrolled contractors understand the home energy rebate programs, including program structure, participation requirements, training and next steps.
What are the home energy rebate programs?
The Home Efficiency Rebates Program (also known as HOMES) and the Home Electrification and Appliance Rebates program (also known as HEAR) are the ODOE’s home energy rebate programs, which represent an investment in Oregon’s households through rebates to cover a large portion of the up-front costs of making energy efficiency upgrades and installing efficient appliances for Oregonians. Energy Trust of Oregon will deliver the programs in IOU areas and Earth Advantage will manage the programs in consumer-owned utility (COU) service areas. Oregon’s IOUs are Portland General Electric, Pacific Power, NW Natural, Cascade Natural Gas and Avista. To learn which utility a household has, visit the Find Your Utility map.
How much funding is available for the home energy rebate program incentives, and for how long will it be available?
The U.S. DOE awarded ODOE over $113 million for the home energy rebate programs. Funding for these programs comes to Oregon thanks to the 2022 Inflation Reduction Act. Energy Trust will be implementing approximately $25 million for HOMES and $25 million for HEAR. Specific amounts will be allocated to different housing segments and income categories to ensure the funding is distributed equitably throughout the investor-owned utility territory we serve.
What is the expected timeline for program launch, training availability, and full operational readiness?
Energy Trust is preparing a training curriculum to onboard contractors and community-based organizations (CBOs) to deliver these offers to customers when they are available.
How can contractors participate in the home energy rebate programs?
Contractors can register to participate as an Enrolled Contractor through ODOE’s contractor center. After registering and completing required trainings, contractors are eligible to complete projects upon program launch.
How can CBOs participate in the home energy rebate programs?
Energy Trust is collaborating with CBOs located within IOU territory that can support implementation in the areas they serve. Energy Trust released an RFQ in early 2026 to identify the first cohort of Partner CBOs who will aid in on-the-ground delivery of these programs. That RFQ is now closed and Partner CBOs have been selected. CBOs can still participate as Referral CBOs.
How will customers know if they need to work with a contractor or a CBO?
Customers have the opportunity to choose an Enrolled Contractor (or be assigned one) when installing HVAC, air sealing and any electrical work. Energy Trust also recommends working with a contractor when installing a heat pump water heater, insulation and/or appliances. However, customers can install the latter items themselves (HEAR only) if they get preapproval when enrolling and follow the home energy rebate programs installation manual requirements. CBOs have direct ties to community members and offer the ability to work closely with customers who need support understanding the program and navigating qualification and submission processes. If you are uncertain about the role of a CBO or would like support from a CBO for a customer, you can reach out to your program contact.
Can both contractors and CBOs support income verification and paperwork navigation?
Yes, contractors and CBOs can support income verification and paperwork navigation. Both groups will receive special training to help customers through these steps, with CBOs receiving additional training in managing projects on behalf of the customer.
How will contractors and CBOs be notified of program updates, changes or federal guidance adjustments after the program launches?
A variety of communication methods are used keep contractors and CBOs informed of program updates. For notification of milestones like registration opening and training kickoff, sign up for ODOE’s email distribution list on the program website at www.homeenergyrebates.oregon.gov. For questions about the home energy rebate programs, call 1.888.803.7914.
Will Energy Trust notify contractors and CBOs as incentive budgets decline or approach depletion?
The home energy rebate programs require project reservations, and Energy Trust will monitor how much rebate funding remains unreserved in each program. When less than 20% of a program’s total rebate funding is unreserved, Energy Trust will notify Enrolled Contractors and CBOs through Insider, email and direct communication.
Can funding be withdrawn from projects that have already begun?
Funding is only available for projects that have been completed and for which all required project documentation has been approved. Energy Trust will issue a check for reimbursement within 28 days of receiving completed project documentation.
How can contractors ensure they are not overpaid for project costs or reimbursed more than what is allowed?
Participating contractors will have training that covers invoicing requirements. This training will review documentation required on an invoice, such as providing total project cost and itemized incentive reductions to the customer. Each project and invoice is reviewed by a program specialist who will contact the participating contractor should the expected reimbursement not align with the program requirements.
How will customers apply for the home energy rebate programs?
Customers will submit a pre-application through an ODOE online portal that will qualify their income and site eligibility and assign them to the appropriate implementer (Energy Trust or Earth Advantage) based on their service territory. Once the pre-application is approved, customers can select a contractor or be assigned one by their implementer, who will then submit a project application through the online portal. This portal is currently under development. Information about navigating the portal will be included in trainings for registered contractors and CBOs.
How will income verification work?
The home energy rebate programs use Area Median Income (AMI) to determine income eligibility. AMI is set by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development for the most recent tax year. Limits vary by county and household size. Households making less than 80% of AMI are considered low-income, and households making between 80%-150% of AMI are considered moderate-income. HEAR rebates are available to low- and moderate-income households. HOMES rebates are open to all income levels with reserved funding for low-income households. Eligible households can verify their income in two ways – submitting income documentation like tax returns or transcripts, or through categorical eligibility.
Categorical eligibility is a policy in U.S. public assistance programs (such as SNAP, Medicaid, LIHEAP or WIC) where a household automatically qualifies for benefits because a member receives aid from another means-tested program. Contact program staff for a full list of qualifying programs. For multifamily properties, categorical eligibility includes public housing, privately-owned multifamily buildings receiving project-based assistance, privately-owned multifamily buildings that house residents receiving tenant-based assistance, as well as properties receiving low-income housing tax credits (LIHTC). Whole buildings may be eligible if 50% of housing units are subsidized through these programs.
Can customers use alternative income verification besides submitting tax transcripts?
Yes, there will be a list of categorical eligibility programs that a customer can use to verify their income. If a customer can demonstrate current participation in one of these programs, this proof can substitute income verification documentation.
How will digital access challenges be addressed for customers who lack internet or comfort with technology?
Customers who lack access can contact their local participating CBO who may be able to work with the customer to submit information on their behalf. Customers can also contact Energy Trust’s call center at 1.888.803.7914, which can help them navigate the online system.
How will the program support immigrant communities with clear, culturally relevant information, so they can confidently participate?
Energy Trust is working closely with CBOs that already have trusted relationships within immigrant communities, training them on program requirements so they can provide resources those communities need to participate. CBOs will play a central role in helping households understand the programs, navigate requirements and access the support they need. Energy Trust will train CBOs to help them understand program requirements and to guide community members in the direction most beneficial to them.
What participant data is required to determine eligibility?
The program verification process requires income verification and information about the home. It does not ask about demographic or citizenship information. All information collected in the verification process is stored on a secure server. States must retain all program data in the application platform for at least six years following the programs’ completion, and any shared data will either be anonymized or aggregated. This anonymized information will be analyzed and used to inform state energy reporting and assessment.
How is income verification handled for point-of-sale appliance rebates?
Income verification for both home energy rebate programs is handled identically for all rebate options. A customer enters their income information or proof of participation in an eligible low-income program into ODOE’s online portal. Customers participating in HEAR will be provided with a reservation to purchase, at a participating retailer or equipment and then be reimbursed the incentive amount either at time of purchase or within 28 days after providing proof of purchase to the program portal.
How will funds be equitably distributed throughout Oregon?
Energy Trust’s program aims to distribute funds to all investor-owned utility territories through working with a combination of local CBOs and regional outreach managers and following the required regional budget allotment.
How should organizations talk to customers about the possibility that project scope changes could affect rebate eligibility?
Because all projects require a reservation, the customer will receive a rebate as long as the completed work matches the approved invoice. If the contractor needs to make a change due to an installation issue, the revision process will require the rebate to be re-reserved. It is the contractor’s responsibility to maintain communication with the customer and work with their program contact to update the necessary documentation.
What guidance will be provided to help customers decide whether HOMES or HEAR is the best fit?
Contractors and CBOs will receive training on the benefits of HOMES vs. HEAR and how to guide customers toward the best offering for them. Since customers may be eligible for both programs, contractors and CBOs can also help them understand how to use both together. They may also contact program staff for tailored assistance as needed. Educational resources and other customer-facing guidance materials will also be available on the Oregon home energy rebate programs website.
Is there a centralized place where customers can see all available incentives across programs?
Yes. The Oregon home energy rebate programs website is the centralized place to view available incentives across both HOMES and HEAR.
Can the home energy rebate programs’ incentives stack with Energy Trust incentives?
Yes, the home energy rebate programs’ incentives can stack with existing Energy Trust incentives. HOMES and HEAR incentives cannot be combined on individual measures, but one customer can participate in both programs for different measures. Energy Trust will train contractors and CBOs to help them understand how this works.
