The Department of Housing and Community Development's (DHCD) Housing Innovations in Energy Efficiency (HIEE) funding makes energy efficiency upgrades to new and existing residential buildings to reduce energy bills for low-income Virginians. HIEE is funded through Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative (RGGI) proceeds.
Background
In 2020, the Commonwealth of Virginia became the first southern state to join RGGI, a regional cap and trade program designed to reduce climate pollution from fossil fuel power plants. Legislation passed by the Virginia General Assembly authorizes proceeds from these auctions to be used for community flood preparedness, coastal resilience and energy efficiency programs for affordable housing. DHCD will administer approximately 50% of the auction proceeds through HIEE, with technical assistance from the Virginia Department of Energy.
Current Status
DHCD administers HIEE funds to enhance affordable housing programs benefiting low- to moderate-income (LMI) families in Virginia. For fiscal year 2021, HIEE funds are allocated to DHCD’s Affordable and Special Needs Housing (ASNH) program and the Weatherization Deferral Repair (WDR) Program . DHCD will continue to develop the HIEE program and other initiatives that will further benefit LMI families in fiscal year 2022 and beyond. ASNH and WDR information and program guidelines are posted under Resources.
