Significant effects of the BIG WIRES Act and IRA home rebates

The Benefits of the BIG WIRES Act

Our primary ask during CCL’s virtual lobbying in November was for members of Congress to support the BIG WIRES Act. Many Congressional offices inquired about the potential impacts of the bill on utility costs, climate pollution reduction, and regional effects.

Researchers at MIT recently published a report analyzing the BIG WIRES Act, revealing potential savings of up to $2.5 billion per year while Reducing Emissions. Additionally, a study by scientists at Vanderbilt University highlighted the importance of home electrification and efficiency incentives under the Inflation Reduction Act.

I conducted a training session at Citizens’ Climate University to educate CCL volunteers on these significant developments, offering insights into the bill’s impacts and potential benefits.

The Impacts of the BIG WIRES Act

The BIG WIRES Act proposes increasing energy transmission capabilities between regions, funded by electrical utilities and transmission developers rather than taxpayers. The MIT study projected annual savings ranging from $330 million to $2.5 billion, with varying impacts across different regions of the country.

Connecting additional solar and wind power to the grid could potentially reduce carbon dioxide emissions by 73 million tons annually, benefiting regions with increased access to clean energy sources and contributing to climate pollution mitigation.

Updates on Home Electrification

The Vanderbilt study emphasized the significance of household incentives provided by the Inflation Reduction Act and bipartisan infrastructure bill, particularly focusing on tax credits for heat pump systems and electric vehicles. These initiatives could account for a substantial portion of potential emissions reductions.

Recent updates from the Department of Energy indicate progress in setting up programs for upfront rebates on home electrification and efficiency measures in states like California, Hawaii, New Mexico, and New York. These rebates aim to support low- and middle-income households in adopting sustainable energy practices.

Future Opportunities

Key congressional offices are actively negotiating a bipartisan permitting reform bill that is likely to include provisions from the BIG WIRES Act. CCL’s upcoming conservative conference will focus on lobbying efforts related to permitting reform opportunities, with a strong emphasis on the benefits of the BIG WIRES Act.

As states roll out their rebate programs for home electrification and efficiency measures, CCL chapters can engage in community events to raise awareness about these critical incentives and encourage sustainable energy adoption.