Home Energy Rebates

The Texas Comptroller of Public Accounts, through the State Energy Conservation Office (SECO), is issuing a Request for Proposals (RFP) 907-25-1902KW for comprehensive program management and implementation of two Home Energy Rebates sub-programs under the Inflation Reduction Act: Home Owner Managing Energy Savings Efficiency Rebates (HOMES) and Home Electrification and Appliance Rebates (HEAR). The primary objective is to increase home energy efficiency and affordability across Texas, with a specific focus on low-income and low-to-moderate-income households. The successful respondent will be responsible for designing program strategies, developing a rebate processing system, conducting outreach, monitoring program performance, and reporting to the Department of Energy. Proposals are due by July 10, 2025, at 2:00 p.m. CT, with potential presentations from top-ranked respondents scheduled for August 11, 2025. The contract will run from the award date through August 31, 2026, with optional one-year renewals possible through August 31, 2031. The evaluation criteria include 30% for respondent's past performance and qualifications, 20% for compliance with specifications, 20% for cost, and 30% for reasonableness of cost.

The procurement includes a mandatory Historically Underutilized Business (HUB) Subcontracting Plan, with statewide HUB goals ranging from 11.2% for heavy construction to 32.9% for special trade construction. The state has established specific requirements to promote equal business opportunities for economically disadvantaged businesses, requiring prime contractors to outline subcontracting intentions with Texas-certified HUB vendors. The total federal funding allocated for these programs is $690 million, with $345 million for the HOMES Program and $344 million for the HEAR Program. The state plans to reserve at least 40% of rebate funds for low-income households and 10% for multifamily buildings. Administrative funds are allocated at approximately $64,252,782.75 for HOMES and $58,807,795.50 for HEAR, with the remainder dedicated to beneficiary grants. The program will leverage existing infrastructure and work with contractors, community organizations, and utility partners to increase awareness and participation, with a comprehensive data tracking and reporting requirement using the Department of Energy's Rebate Tracking and Reporting Tool.