HB 323 Summary

• Changes the Alaska energy efficient home grant fund from discretionary ("may") to mandatory ("shall") grants for homeowners converting to efficient heating systems in particulate matter nonattainment areas.

• Establishes maximum grant amounts of $7,500 for furnace conversions and $5,000 for wood stove conversions, based on the lesser of estimated conversion costs or these limits.

• Requires homeowners to obtain and pay for energy audits performed by corporation-approved energy raters before receiving grants, with no income limits for eligibility.

• Restricts grant eligibility to owner-occupied single-family dwellings and duplexes in EPA-designated particulate matter nonattainment areas, excluding homes with existing high-efficiency heating systems (≥80% fuel utilization efficiency or EPA-certified wood stoves).

• Prohibits homeowners from receiving grants under both the efficient home heating system program (AS 18.56.410) and the low-to-moderate income weatherization program (AS 18.56.850).