Today, the Biden-Harris Administration introduced the pilot phase of the Clean Energy Connector, a collaborative effort between the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) and the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS). This groundbreaking initiative aims to link families to solar energy through HHS’s Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP). The innovative software, a first of its kind, is now available for use by local LIHEAP program administrators in Illinois, Washington, D.C., and New Mexico, facilitating connections for up to 40,000 households with low incomes to community solar subscriptions. By enrolling LIHEAP-eligible households in community solar initiatives, the program seeks to reduce energy bills for families, enhance access to clean energy in underserved communities, and advance equitable solar energy deployment, in alignment with President Biden’s ambitious clean energy and Justice40 goals.
“Renewable energy stands as the most affordable energy source, and thanks to pioneering solutions developed under the Biden-Harris Administration, more American households can now harness the health and cost-saving benefits of solar power,” stated U.S. Secretary of Energy Jennifer M. Granholm. “Through DOE’s collaboration with HHS, the deployment of community solar will be accelerated, benefiting thousands of families by reducing their energy expenses and alleviating their energy burden, ensuring inclusivity as we transition to a clean energy economy.”
U.S. Secretary of Health and Human Services Xavier Becerra emphasized, “LIHEAP plays a vital role in safeguarding the well-being of families and individuals by offering heating assistance in the winter and cooling aid in the summer. Connecting LIHEAP-eligible households with the advantages and cost savings of community solar will have enduring effects, fostering increased economic stability for families.”
Since the announcement of the software’s development in 2022, this pilot initiative will extend access to available community solar projects to an estimated 40,000 LIHEAP-eligible households across Illinois, New Mexico, and Washington, D.C. Enrolled participants may witness significant reductions in their electricity bills, consistent with the National Community Solar Partnership’s objective of achieving 20% household savings, equating to $370 per household annually.
Solar energy has become more cost-effective than traditional utility bill rates in numerous states. Community solar, which permits multiple customers to benefit from a shared solar energy system, offers a solution for individuals unable to access rooftop solar panels, enabling them to save on utility expenses and access other advantages.
Governor JB Pritzker of Illinois remarked, “We cannot genuinely commit to a clean energy future until it becomes accessible to all, not solely those with the resources to invest in technologies like solar. This program will extend solar access to families who stand to gain the most from reduced energy bills and prioritize equitable clean energy distribution, a fundamental aspect of a sustainable future that I commend the Biden-Harris Administration for prioritizing.”
Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham of New Mexico added, “Through our involvement in the Clean Energy Connector, New Mexico is alleviating the financial strain of renewable energy costs for families across the state. New Mexico takes pride in being among the first states to pilot the Connector, and I encourage other states to join us in implementing this program, which is expanding solar access to more Americans.”