Attachment F.docx

SCEO Education and Outreach Plan energy.gov/scep

IRA SECTION 50121: Home Efficiency Rebates

IRA SECTION 50121: Home Efficiency Rebates SCEO Education and Outreach Plan July 2025

Table of Contents

Figures Figure 1: Map of South Carolina’s Low-Income Communities 4

Introduction The Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) of 2022 authorizes the United States Department of Energy (DOE) to carry out two Home Energy Rebate programs – the Home Efficiency Rebates (HOMES) program and the Home Electrification and Appliance Rebates (HEAR) program. South Carolina has been granted a total of $137.2 million for these programs, with $68.7 million allocated for the HOMES program.

The South Carolina Energy Office (SCEO), a division of the South Carolina Office of Regulatory Staff, was directed by the IRA to carry out these programs. The SCEO’s serves as the principal energy planning entity for the state, and encourages energy efficiency, renewable energy, and clean transportation through a variety of initiatives. HOMES and HEAR align with this mission to promote energy efficiency and provide assistance to South Carolina residents to support energy-saving improvements.

In South Carolina, the combined impact of both HOMES and HEAR will leverage energy efficiency measures to help lower residential energy costs, reduce overall energy demand, and contribute to a more resilient energy grid. By reducing household energy expenditures, these programs will support sustainable energy practices while benefiting the state’s broader energy infrastructure.

The SCEO has established the following goals for the state’s HOMES and HEAR Programs:

(1) Provide Holistic Improvements to Residents’ Lives: Ensure education efforts, technology systems, contractor practices, program integrations, and rebate levels are designed to meet diverse needs while lowering household energy costs;

(2) Provide Statewide Program Accessibility: Encourage program participation across all regions of South Carolina through broad outreach, education, and targeted partnerships to support hard-to-reach populations;

(3) Distribute Funds Efficiently and Drive Tangible Impact: Promote program stewardship and drive impact by distributing funds efficiently, including by leveraging household and building-wide categorical eligibility; and

(4) Leverage Existing Infrastructure and Partnerships: Build upon existing energy efficiency and workforce development efforts, integrating them with utility and other statewide programs to maximize energy savings and support long-term reductions in energy costs for South Carolinians.

In alignment with the total proportion of low-income households across the state, South Carolina intends to allocate at least 39.9% of its rebate funds to the state’s low-income households (those with less than 80% of area median income (AMI)[footnoteRef:2]). Additionally, it will allocate at least 10% of the rebate funds to low-income multifamily buildings. [2: “Area median income” is the “value calculated by household size of the median income of the area in which the individual or family resides, as reported by the Department of Housing and Urban Development.” United States Department of Energy (published on October 13, 2023), Program Requirements & Application Instructions. Available at: https://www.energy.gov/sites/default/files/2023-10/home-energy-rebate-programs-requirements-and-application-instructions_10-13-2023.pdf.]

SCEO will launch its HOMES and HEAR Programs in 2026, with a targeted soft launch followed by a full statewide launch.

Household Outreach In South Carolina, the HOMES program will focus on three key household types: low-income single-family households, low-income multifamily households, and households in rural counties. These groups are particularly vulnerable due to a combination of barriers that limit their access to energy efficiency upgrades and financial assistance. Refer to Figure 1 for a map showing the low-income communities across South Carolina, which span both urban and rural communities, highlighting the regions where targeted outreach and partnerships are essential to ensure the program's effectiveness. The outlined education and outreach strategy is designed to ensure that these populations are aware of and understand the program, can easily access available resources, and ultimately benefit from the program by increasing energy efficiency and lowering energy costs for South Carolinians.

Figure 1: Map of South Carolina’s Low-Income Communities[footnoteRef:3] [3: Defined by American Community Survey (ACS) as: (A) the poverty rate for such tract is at least 20 percent, or (B) in the case of a tract not located within a metropolitan area, the median family income for such tract does not exceed 80 percent of statewide median family income.]

South Carolina’s HOMES program will prioritize engagement with low-income single-family and multifamily households, acknowledging the unique needs of these populations in urban, suburban, and rural areas. HOMES will provide higher incentives for income-qualified households, with 40% of funding dedicated to single-family homes and 10% to low-income multifamily buildings. Ensuring that these households have the tools and information they need to reduce their energy costs and improve energy efficiency will be central to the program’s success.

SCEO also recognizes that rural South Carolina counties present unique challenges in terms of program access and participation. These counties often face significant infrastructure barriers, , which makes it difficult for residents to engage with online resources or submit applications for energy efficiency upgrades. Additionally, rural areas generally have fewer qualified contractors who can perform energy-efficient home improvements, limiting residents' ability to make the necessary upgrades.

Furthermore, rural South Carolinians may have less exposure to energy efficiency programs compared to their urban counterparts. While urban areas often benefit from a greater number of community centers, such as libraries, recreation centers, and other local venues, through which community information sharing can be facilitated, rural areas often lack these resources, limiting opportunities for residents to learn about available programs. To address these disparities, SCEO plans to partner with Community-Based Organizations (CBOs) and housing organizations that have established networks and trust within these rural communities. These partnerships will help extend outreach efforts and ensure that program information reaches residents in areas with limited access to community resources. In addition, many rural residents are not aware of the financial incentives for energy-efficient upgrades, and the limited marketing reach of energy efficiency programs exacerbates this issue. By building on the networks and trust these organizations have, SCEO aims to effectively disseminate program information and reach more residents.

The combination of geographic remoteness, lack of awareness, and limited access to contractors creates a scenario where rural residents are less likely to benefit from programs like the HOMES program. To bridge this gap, targeted outreach is essential. SCEO’s approach will involve direct, localized engagement strategies that cater to the unique needs of small, rural communities. This will ensure that rural residents are not only aware of the program but also have the necessary resources, such as contractor referrals, financial guidance, and application assistance, to effectively take advantage of the available rebates.

To ensure broad program participation and maximize impact, engaging utilities, state agencies, community organizations, and contractors will be critical. This partnered approach will improve the likelihood that South Carolina residents will hear about the program from trusted sources. From program design through the duration of the program, SCEO will prioritize educating and connecting with these target households, ensuring they have access to information, qualified contractors, and a clear understanding of how the program will benefit them in lowering energy costs and increasing energy efficiency.

Key outreach efforts will focus on detailing the consumer benefits of energy efficiency upgrades, explaining the distinctions between the HOMES and HEAR programs, promoting qualified contractors, clearly outlining income eligibility requirements, and providing a clear path to navigating the application process and customer journey.

Planned Activities Outreach Partnerships SCEO recognizes that establishing broad-reaching channels that engage South Carolinians will be essential to the success of the HOMES program. To effectively target eligible residents and provide opportunities for all to learn about the program, South Carolina will need to leverage diverse relationships across the state. SCEO engaged with several key stakeholders during the program design process to build new relationships and expand on existing ones. Appendix A lists the interviews conducted with relevant stakeholders.

The planned activities with each partner are listed below:

· Utilities: Collaborate with utility companies to disseminate program information through billing inserts, newsletters, social media, and other online platforms. Joint webinars and information sessions will be conducted to engage and educate customers. Since South Carolina residents are served by a combination of investor-owned utilities, public utilities, and cooperatives based on their geographic location, outreach efforts will be tailored to suit the specific networks and service areas of each utility type.

· Proposed Stakeholders:

· Investor-Owned:

· Dominion Energy

· Duke Energy Carolinas

· Duke Energy Progress

· Lockhart Power Company

· Public Owned: Santee Cooper

· Electric Cooperatives: Electric Cooperatives of South Carolina

· Southeast Energy Efficiency Alliance

· Association of South Carolina Energy Managers

· State Agencies: Partner with various state agencies to promote the program, reach both single-family and multifamily households, and connect with media and other marketing outlets.

· Proposed Stakeholders:

· South Carolina State Housing Finance and Development Authority

· South Carolina Commission for Minority Affairs

· South Carolina Department of Commerce

· South Carolina Department of Consumer Affairs

· South Carolina Department of Employment and Workforce

· South Carolina Department of Health and Human Services

· South Carolina Department of Labor, Licensing, and Regulation

· South Carolina Department of Aging

· South Carolina Department of Economic Opportunity

· South Carolina Office of Resilience

· Local Governments: Partner with municipal offices to leverage local events, town hall meetings, and media outlets for outreach efforts.

· Proposed Stakeholders:

· City of Charleston

· City of Columbia

· City of Greenville

· City of Spartanburg

· Municipal Association of South Carolina

· South Carolina Association of Counties

· Community-Based Organizations (CBOs): Engage CBOs across the state to conduct stakeholder engagement, promote the program, and connect with community members.

· Proposed Stakeholders:

· Building Industry Association of Central South Carolina

· Conservation Voters of South Carolina

· Greenville Dreams

· Hispanic Alliance of SC

· Metanoia

· NAACP South Carolina State Conference

· Palmetto Project

· Rural Resource Coalition of South Carolina

· SC Thrive

· South Carolina Association of Community Action Partnerships

· The Sustainability Institute

· Labor Organizations: Engage with labor organizations to provide training and information to their members.

· Proposed Stakeholders:

· Association of South Carolina Energy Managers

· Carolinas Electrical Contractors Association

· Charleston Contractors’ Association

· National Utility Contractors Association of the Carolinas

· Plumbing, Heating, and Cooling Contractors Association of South Carolina

· South Carolina AFL-CIO

· South Carolina Association of Licensed Trades

· Vocational Schools and Training Centers: Partner with vocational schools and training centers to incorporate program information into their curricula and outreach efforts.

· Proposed Stakeholders:

· South Carolina Technical College System Outreach Channels To effectively engage households in communities across South Carolina, SCEO will utilize a variety of outreach channels. These channels will be tailored to meet the needs of different market segments, enhancing the effectiveness of the initiative. Both digital and traditional methods will be used to address statewide needs and ensure broad participation.

· Program Website: SCEO has a website dedicated to the state’s HOMES and HEAR programs. SCEO will continue to update and expand this site as the program launches. This website will serve as a comprehensive resource for residents and applicants, providing program details, a directory of qualified contractors, contact information, and a portal to initiate participation.

· Public Survey: SCEO will post a public survey on its program website and distribute it to gather feedback from South Carolina residents about their awareness, preferences, and experiences with energy efficiency programs. The survey will ask for information on energy-related issues, preferred program participation channels, and current involvement in energy-related programs like LIHEAP and WAP. It will also inquire about the barriers residents face in making energy-efficient upgrades, such as cost concerns, lack of information, or limited access to contractors. The survey feedback will be crucial in shaping program outreach, enhancing participation, and identifying areas for improvement. The full survey can be viewed in Appendix B.

· Email List: Interested residents and contractors can sign up for an email list via the SCEO program website. South Carolina will use this list to send important program updates, including timely information on available rebates, deadlines, and new program announcements.

· Social Media: South Carolina will use popular social media platforms like Facebook, LinkedIn, NextDoor, and X to share program updates, success stories, and educational content about energy efficiency. Campaigns will provide links to contractor resources and other programmatic information to engage residents and ensure access to resources. SCEO will also collaborate with outreach partners to leverage their social media channels, expanding the program’s reach across multiple platforms.

· Neighbor-to-Neighbor Outreach: South Carolina will leverage the trusted networks of faith-based organizations to conduct neighbor-to-neighbor outreach. Local churches and faith groups will serve as community ambassadors, spreading program information through door-to-door visits, local events, and community meetings.

· Community Events: South Carolina will make program information available at public forums and local events to increase awareness about the HOMES program. Many of these events will be held in partnership with community-based organizations, faith-based organizations, and other local entities trusted by residents.

· Paid Media: South Carolina will use paid media spots across TV, radio, and mobile applications to build trust and credibility. These spots will feature testimonials and success stories from program participants, helping to increase awareness, trust, and participation.

· Earned Media: South Carolina will issue press releases and collaborate with media outlets to promote the program. These efforts will include narrative-based testimonials and the sharing of key program milestones, such as launches, deadlines, and successful participant stories.

· Direct Mail: Direct mail provides highly targeted messaging to reach potential program participants. Mailing materials can be integrated into key outreach partners' regular print correspondence, such as utility billing inserts. These materials will include program information, a link to a public survey for feedback on the program, and clear instructions on how to participate.

Educational Materials Creating comprehensive and accessible educational materials is essential to ensure that all stakeholders have the information they need to participate in the program. These materials will be available in multiple formats and languages to effectively reach diverse audiences.

· Website: Develop a comprehensive, user-friendly website with region-specific information about the program, FAQs, application portals, success stories, and resources. Ensure the website is mobile-friendly and meets accessibility standards for people with disabilities and Limited English Proficient populations.

· Fact Sheets and Brochures: Create downloadable and printable materials in multiple languages, covering program benefits, eligibility, application steps, and energy efficiency measures.

· Customer Call Center: Establish a toll-free hotline with multilingual support to assist with applications and provide guidance on energy efficiency improvements.

· Seminars and Workshops: Host virtual and in-person workshops, webinars, and seminars to educate homeowners about the benefits of energy efficiency, the rebate process, and how to maximize savings.

· Videos: Produce educational videos and tutorials that can be shared on social media, the program website, and via email. Include testimonials from participants who have benefited from the program.

· Training Sessions: Conduct regular webinars, in-person training sessions, and workshops for contractors about the program, installation standards, and quality assurance protocols.

Contractor Outreach Planned Activities Outreach Partnerships To meet the program's needs, SCEO will engage with workforce organizations across the state to enlist contractors to participate. The focus will be on contractor entities familiar with the energy efficiency portfolio of measures or already engaged in existing energy efficiency programs. Programmatic training will be provided to engage and recruit interested businesses to participate.

Program implementers will coordinate with key industry stakeholders to establish a strong foundation for the program. The state will rely on these entities for offering contractor training, recruiting qualified contractors, providing educational resources and best practices specific to each upgrade, and facilitating key marketing channels to spread information about the program to industry contributors. Program implementers will leverage existing contractor networks and participating program contractors from large and small utilities across the state to facilitate the initial phase of the program and ensure a smooth launch.

· Labor Organizations: SCEO initiated discussions with several labor organizations, as required by DOE’s program guidance, that may participate in the HOMES program during the program design. These organizations will help engage contractors and provide workforce training opportunities.

· Vocational Schools and Training Centers: SCEO will collaborate with vocational schools and training centers to integrate program information into their curricula, promoting the program to potential contractors and expanding workforce capacity.

· Weatherization Assistance Program (WAP): South Carolina’s Weatherization Assistance Program (WAP) has developed a strong network of contractors statewide. By partnering with the agency administering WAP (the South Carolina Office of Economic Opportunity) and the Community Action Agencies (CAAs), the HOMES program can engage this network, creating new opportunities for contractor participation.

· Utility Contractor Networks: Duke Energy and Dominion Energy have established extensive qualified contractor networks across South Carolina. Both utilities require contractors to meet a list of specific criteria, including licensing, insurance, training, and certification requirements. SCEO will collaborate with these utilities to leverage their trusted relationships with contractors, facilitate outreach, and disseminate program information, ensuring that only qualified contractors are engaged in the HOMES program.

Outreach Channels To effectively engage contractors across South Carolina, SCEO will utilize a variety of outreach channels. These channels will be tailored to meet the needs of different contractor groups and will help ensure broad participation in the HOMES program.

· Program Website: SCEO will maintain a dedicated section on its website for contractor-specific information. This will include participation requirements, program timelines, training resources, and a portal to access program updates and submit applications. The website will also host webinars, video tutorials, and FAQs to provide contractors with comprehensive resources.

· Email List: Contractors can sign up for an email list through the program website to receive important updates, program announcements, and training opportunities. SCEO will regularly send out newsletters with information about rebate offerings, program updates, and program milestones.

· Industry Conferences and Trade Shows: SCEO will attend and present at key industry conferences and trade shows related to energy efficiency and construction. These events will provide opportunities to engage contractors face-to-face, distribute program materials, and recruit new participants.

· Industry Publications and Newsletters: SCEO will leverage trade publications, both digital and print, to reach contractors. Ads and program articles will be placed in industry newsletters, magazines, and local publications such as South Carolina Construction News to ensure broad visibility for the HOMES program.

· Partner Networks: SCEO will collaborate with utility companies like Duke Energy and Santee Cooper, as well as industry associations like the South Carolina Home Builders Association and the South Carolina Plumbing Heating Cooling Contractors Association (SCPHCC). These partnerships will help disseminate program information through trusted networks, leveraging existing relationships to reach a wider contractor base.

Educational Materials The following educational materials will be essential for ensuring both quality and consistency throughout the program’s implementation. Educational materials and outreach efforts will always include clear channels to communicate questions or concerns that contractors may have directly to the state and program administrators. In areas with high populations of non-English-speaking residents (and, by extension, contractors), the state will translate educational and engagement materials as necessary and identify bilingual partners to support engagement with that specific contractor base.

· Program Website: Develop an online, user-friendly resource for SCEO’s contractor outreach that includes information about participation requirements and a program timeline.

· Fact Sheets: Create written information that outlines items such as rebate offerings and program details.

· Ongoing Contractor Training and Support Sessions: Hold regular sessions focusing on program guidelines and distribute these materials via the SCEO’s website for the program.

· In-Person Meetings: Provide regular opportunities for contractors to learn about the program in-person.

· Online Webinars: Offer regular online opportunities for contractors to learn about the program and its offerings.

· E-Newsletters: Administer this communication to ensure contractor alignment with any programmatic updates.

Evaluation of Outreach Effectiveness To ensure that the outreach strategies for both the HOMES and HEAR programs are effective, SCEO will implement a process of continuous evaluation. This will involve regular monitoring and feedback collection from participants and stakeholders through public surveys, outreach partner feedback, and program data tracking. SCEO will evaluate key metrics, including:

· Program Reach: Measured by tracking the number of individuals reached through various channels, such as website visits, social media interactions, attendance at community events, and distribution of program materials at outreach locations.

· Program Engagement: Monitored by assessing participation rates in the HOMES and HEAR programs, identifying specific barriers to participation for targeted populations (such as low-income or rural households), and determining which outreach methods are most effective in driving participation.

· Effectiveness of Partnerships: Evaluated by analyzing how well collaborations with community-based organizations, utility companies, and contractors are helping to reach underserved communities, increase program awareness, and improve program enrollment rates.

The evaluation process will be conducted quarterly to identify any gaps in outreach efforts. SCEO will adjust strategies as needed to address emerging challenges or areas of low participation. Additionally, at least once per year, a more comprehensive review will be conducted to assess the overall impact of outreach efforts, which will inform the refinement of strategies for the following year.

Timeline Program Education and Outreach will be a constant during the program design, initiation, and implementation. Below is a table outlining the timeline for stakeholder engagement and program education and outreach. Dates are subject to change based upon DOE guidance and approval.

Initial outreach planning, stakeholder engagement, and development of educational materials, as well as the distribution and analysis of the public survey

Host public input session

Begin community outreach efforts and develop training programs for contractors

Implement household outreach activities, conduct initial contractor training sessions, and begin retailer/distributor engagement

Evaluate initial outreach efforts, adjust strategies, and prepare for increased outreach

Continue and expand household outreach, host additional community events and workshops, and engage more contractors

Maintain outreach efforts, evaluate program impact, and refine strategies based on feedback

Host one-year evaluation since program launched and implement improvements

Maintain and expand outreach activities, with regular evaluations and adjustments to improve effectiveness

Budget

Appendices Appendix A: Stakeholder Meeting Log Between January 15th and June 9th of 2025, SCEO gathered feedback on program design for the Home Energy Rebates program. In total, six (6) targeted focus groups were hosted and twenty (20) one-on-one meetings with various stakeholders were held. Discussion topics ranged from data sharing and program stacking opportunities, to opportunities to leverage categorical eligibility, to effective outreach methods to communities across the state.

May 20, 2025

Focus Group: Large utilities

· Dominion Energy

· Duke Energy

· Piedmont Natural Gas

· Lockhart Power

· Santee Cooper

Focus Group: Economic Development

· Southeast Energy Efficiency Alliance (SEEA)

· South Carolina Chamber of Commerce

· Southern Alliance for Clean Energy

Focus Group: Community Development

· Metanoia SC

· SC Thrive

· South Carolina Association for Community Economic Development (SCACED)

· Palmetto Project

Focus Group: Advocacy

· Conservation Voters of South Carolina

· Coastal Conservation League

· Conservatives for Clean Energy

Focus Group: Education

· South Carolina Technical College Systems

· Greenville Tech

· University of South Carolina (USC)

Focus Group: Municipals and Electric Cooperatives

· Electric Cooperatives of South Carolina (ECSC)

· South Carolina Association of Municipal Power Systems (SCAMPS)

Focus Group: Community Based Organizations

· Habitat for Humanity

· Hispanic Alliance of South Carolina

· Palmetto Project

Appendix B: South Carolina Home Energy Rebate Programs Survey SCEO Public Survey Content

Respondent Background

The South Carolina Energy Office (SCEO) invites you to participate in a survey about the upcoming South Carolina Home Energy Rebate Programs. These programs are intended to help lower energy bills and improve energy efficiency within South Carolina’s homes. Thank you for your time and contributions!

Your responses to this survey will be kept strictly confidential. By participating in this survey, you are contributing your perspective to a residential energy efficiency program. Your input is invaluable, and we thank you in advance for sharing.

b. Resident – Tenant (Renter)

c. Other (Please specify)

b. 2

c. 3

d. 4

e. 5

f. 6

g. 7

h. 8

i. 9

j. 10

b. Indoor air quality and health

c. Environmental impacts and reducing my home’s energy use

d. Outdated appliances and systems

e. Overall comfort and temperature regulation

f. Other (Please specify)

b. Air sealing

c. HVAC system (heating and cooling)

d. Stovetop or oven

e. Electrical upgrades (e.g., household wiring)

f. Windows and exterior doors

g. Duct sealing

h. Ventilation

i. Other (open text)

b. Make and model (e.g., brand of appliance)

c. Potential energy savings

d. Increasing the value of your home

e. Improving the comfort of your home

b. I do not know how to identify what upgrades I need for my home

c. I do not know how to select the right kind of new equipment

d. I am unsure how to manage the upgrade process

e. I am concerned about receiving the wrong advice from a contractor

Energy Program Awareness

The Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) of 2022 established the Home Energy Rebate Programs to assist U.S. households with reducing energy costs, improving energy efficiency, and lessening air pollution. The programs, including the Home Efficiency Rebates Program and the Home Electrification and Appliance Rebates Program, offer significant funding for energy-related upgrades in both single-family and multi-family homes.

The Home Efficiency Rebates aim to reduce the costs associated with large energy efficiency upgrades such as insulation, air sealing, ductwork, electrical wiring upgrades, and more. The Home Electrification and Appliance Rebates support the installation of efficient electrical technologies and appliances, such as heat pumps, electric stoves, and insulation materials. The maximum rebates depend on projected energy savings and household income levels.

Detailed program requirements for South Carolina are in development and will adhere to the general guidelines set by the U.S. Department of Energy.

b. No

b. No

b. Social media

c. Information sessions or webinars

d. Local community groups

e. Advertising (television, radio, billboards, digital ads)

f. Flyers/brochures

g. Email newsletters

h. Friends and family members

i. Other (Please specify)

b. Medicaid

c. Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP)

d. Head Start

e. Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC)

f. Lifeline support for Affordable Communications (Lifeline)

g. National School Lunch Program – Free (NSLP)

h. Housing Improvement Program (HIP)

i. Housing Opportunities for Persons with Aids

j. Supplemental Security Income (SSI)

k. Weatherization Assistance Program (WAP)

l. Asset Limited Income Constrained, Employee (ALICE)

b. No image1.png image3.png image2.png