Arizona Office of Resiliency Launches Phase 1 Home Energy Rebate Program to Replace Heat-Stressed Residents' Home Cooling Systems

­Governor Katie Hobbs’ Office of Resiliency, in collaboration with nonprofit organizations and emergency assistance providers across Arizona, launched a first-in-the-nation initiative to support households suffering from heat-related emergencies due to loss of air conditioning and cooling equipment. This aligns with the Arizona Extreme Heat Preparedness Plan and is supported by the federal Home Energy Rebate Program, designed to lower energy bills and improve public health and safety. 

With these funds, some eligible limited-income households vulnerable to heat-related emergencies will be pre-selected to install highly efficient air conditioning units. At this time, it will not be open to general public applications. This initiative, developed in response to escalating summer temperatures and the increasing frequency of heatwaves, aims to relieve energy-burdened residents struggling to maintain safe indoor temperatures.

Unfortunately, the steep cost of replacing or repairing these units has left many households needing adequate cooling during the year’s hottest months.

Funding for families at risk from extreme heat arrives as the state faces more than 85 consecutive days of temperatures over 100 degrees. For many, particularly vulnerable groups like the elderly, children, and those with health conditions, a functioning air conditioning unit is essential. While the dangers of heat escalate outdoors, more than 500 indoor deaths have been recorded in 2023 alone. 

The success of this initiative is made possible through the collaboration between federal, state, and local partners. The Governor’s Office of Resiliency, Wildfire (formerly Arizona Community Action Association), and building efficiency experts Resource Innovations have played a pivotal role in planning and implementing this vital program. Their collective efforts will ensure that residents statewide have access to safe and cool homes this summer.

“This initiative will be a lifeline for many Arizonans suffering from life-threatening heat, turning unsafe homes into safe havens, and protecting our most vulnerable from the dangers of extreme heat,” said Caryn Potter, Arizona Representative for the Southwest Energy Efficiency Project, “We applaud the Governor’s Office of Resiliency in meeting the urgent needs of our communities.”

Launching the Phase 1 Home Energy Rebate program is part of a broader set of home energy efficiency solutions that the Governor’s Office of Resiliency prepares to make available to more citizens soon.