These frequently asked questions cover topics on everything from EERE's mission, tax credits and financial assistance to home energy and training.

If you don't find the answer to your question, please contact us with your question.

General Information

EERE stands for the Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy, an office of the U.S. Department of Energy.

More information: About Us

EERE invests in early-stage research and development, demonstration, and deployment of technologies that show viable pathways for achieving EERE’s five programmatic priorities:

  • Decarbonizing the electricity sector.
  • Decarbonizing transportation across all modes: air, sea, rail, and road.
  • Decarbonizing the industrial sector.
  • Reducing carbon emissions from buildings.
  • Decarbonizing the agriculture sector, specifically focused on the nexus between energy and water.

Ten technology offices within EERE work toward the organization’s mission: Advanced Materials & Manufacturing, Bioenergy, Buildings, Hydrogen and Fuel Cells, Geothermal, Industrial Efficiency and Decarbonization, Solar Energy, Vehicles, Water Power, and Wind Energy.
 

More information:

Renewable energy sources can provide affordable, reliable energy without producing harmful emissions. U.S. clean energy innovation and manufacturing create jobs, improve community resilience, and bolster national security. Learn more about why clean energy matters and become a Clean Energy Champion.

Funding, Tax Credits, and Financial Assistance

EERE works with businesses, industry, universities, communities, and others to increase the use of renewable energy, building and industrial energy efficiency, and sustainable transportation and fuel technologies. EERE encourages the growth of these technologies by offering various types of financial assistance for early-stage research and development, including but not limited to funding opportunity announcements, prizes and competitions, technical assistance, and more. 

View EERE’s funding opportunities.

Additionally, the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) provides funding through the Small Business Innovation Research and Small Business Technology Transfer programs

Small-business contracting opportunities are available through EERE’s Small Business Program.

Learn more about doing business with DOE.

Clean Energy Jobs

Visit Clean Energy Jobs to find and apply for jobs at the Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy.

More clean energy job resources:

Energy at Home

The U.S. Department of Energy’s Weatherization Assistance Program enables low-income individuals and families to permanently reduce their energy bills by making their homes more energy efficient. Contact your state weatherization agency and apply for weatherization assistance.

Additionally, the Department of Health and Human Services runs a program called the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program, which can help low-income families pay their utility bills.

EERE has resources to help you determine whether a solar or wind electric system is right for you. Factors to consider include determining how much electricity you might be able to produce; whether that amount of energy is enough to meet your needs or make the installation economically feasible; any local codes, covenants, or laws that might apply to your installation; and obtaining any federal, state, local, and utility incentives that might offset the cost of your new system.

Check out these resources for information:

Visit the Energy Saver website for in-depth information on how to save energy, save money, and use renewable energy at home.

The Home Energy Score allows a homeowner to compare their home's energy consumption to that of other homes, similar to a vehicle's mile-per-gallon rating. 

Energy and Vehicles

EERE’s FuelEconomy.gov website contains gas mileage (MPG), fuel cost, greenhouse gas emissions, energy impact score, air pollution ratings, and safety information for new and used cars and trucks, including MPG information for a number of hybrid and electric vehicles. In addition, you can find tips to help you improve your fuel economy and save money at the gas pump.

The Alternative Fuels Data Center provides information, data, and tools to help you reach your energy and economic goals through the use of alternative and renewable fuels, advanced vehicles, and other fuel-saving measures.

You can find alternative-fuel stations across the United States by visiting EERE’s Alternative Fueling Station Locator online or through your mobile device. The station locator can connect you to information on fueling stations dispensing biodiesel, compressed natural gas (CNG), ethanol, hydrogen, liquefied natural gas (LNG), and propane. It also provides locations for electric vehicle charging stations.

EERE's Alternative Fuels and Advanced Vehicles Data Center provides information on fleet experiences with alternative fuels, tips and implementation considerations for specific fleet types, and a Petroleum Reduction Planning Tool to help fleets create a strategy to reduce reliance on conventional fuels. Fleets may also be eligible for technical assistance as they transition to alternative fuels.

Building Energy Codes

You can access REScheck and COMcheck from the EERE Building Energy Codes website in both online and downloadable formats.