President-elect Donald Trump’s nomination of Chris Wright to lead the Department of Energy presents an important moment for American energy policy. Trump has promised to cut energy costs “by half within 12 months”. To deliver on this promise, Chris Wright will need to continue key areas of work where the DOE has successfully saved families money on utility bills and strengthened American energy independence and manufacturing leadership.
The Department of Energy invests in numerous offices, programs, and financing that help reduce energy costs and advance the energy sector with transformative technologies.
Cutting Energy Costs with Rebates and Assistance Programs
The Department of Energy has allocated $8.8 billion to Home Energy Rebate Programs. These programs are saving an estimated $1 billion annually on consumer energy costs and bolstering over 50,000 American jobs.
- Over 3.4 million Americans have claimed over $8 billion in residential clean energy and home energy efficiency credits.
- Home electrification and appliance rebates cover the purchase and installation of certain energy-efficient appliances, making it easier for consumers to save.
- Eligible households benefit from the Weatherization Assistance Program, saving an average of $372 or more every year.
Boosting Manufacturing with Loans and Supporting Tax Credits
The Loans Program Office and the Advanced Manufacturing Production Credit’s incentives for domestic production are accelerating clean energy manufacturing by funding innovation and scaling essential tech.
- The Loans Program Office provides financial support for innovative clean energy technologies through loan guarantees. This authority covers various eligible activities, including solar manufacturing, sustainable aviation fuel production, and EV charging infrastructure.
- With a boost from the Advanced Manufacturing Production Credit, which the DOE advised on, clean energy manufacturers announced a total of $89 billion in new investments.
Strengthening Energy Infrastructure
Federal programs strengthen energy infrastructure by modernizing the grid, improving resilience, and transforming retired facilities into hubs for clean energy innovation.
- Since 2023, the Department of Energy has announced 105 Grid Resilience and Innovation Programs in all 50 states and Washington, D.C.
- The Grid Deployment Office oversees over $22 billion in federal funding to enhance the electric grid, ensuring reliable power, reducing costs, preventing outages, and supporting critical infrastructure.
The Bottom Line: If Chris Wright is confirmed to lead the DOE, he will be entrusted to protect American businesses, jobs, and consumers. To be successful, he must continue programs that are creating jobs, spurring domestic manufacturing, and securing America’s role as the global energy leader.
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