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 drives U.S. leadership in the research, development, validation, and effective utilization of energy technologies and processes, ensuring an integrated energy system that is affordable, reliable, resilient, secure, and clean.
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:
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.
Learn more about doing business with DOE.
Tax credits, incentives, and financing are available for homeowners, consumers, and businesses. The Energy Saver website provides the following resources:
- Making Our Homes More Efficient: Clean Energy Tax Credits for Consumers
- New and Used Clean Vehicle Tax Credits
- Database of State Incentives for Renewables & Efficiency® - DSIRE (dsireusa.org)
Businesses:
- 179D Commercial Buildings Energy-Efficiency Tax Deduction
- Businesses and tax-exempt organizations may qualify for the new Commercial Clean Vehicle Credit
Manufacturing:
Energy Jobs
Visit EERE Careers to find and apply for jobs at the Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy.
More energy job resources:
- Map a career in clean energy to learn about potential career paths in clean energy
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.