Contractors involved in Michigan's Home Energy Rebate (MiHER) program express a mix of enthusiasm for its potential benefits and awareness of challenges.

Here's a breakdown of contractor perspectives:

Positive Aspects:

• Business growth potential: MiHER offers contractors a chance to diversify their services, increase customer inquiries through program listings, and grow their businesses by specializing in energy efficiency upgrades.
• Driving demand: The program is expected to boost demand for skilled labor in HVAC, energy retrofitting, and appliance installation, creating opportunities for contractors in these fields.
• Financial incentives: Contractors can benefit from performance-based bonuses for completing eligible projects and may receive upfront payments directly from the state for certain qualifying projects.
• Customer satisfaction: Contractors highlight the positive impact of energy efficiency on homeowners' comfort and finances, leading to satisfaction with the program's outcomes.
• Simplified process: Some contractors appreciate the straightforward process of working with MiHER, involving home energy assessments and recommendations for upgrades, with the state handling rebate payments. 

Challenges and Concerns:

• Workforce shortages: There's a recognized need for more skilled contractors to meet the program's goals and fully utilize the available federal funding.
• Competition: The energy efficiency sector competes with the private sector for contractors, who might find easier and more lucrative work in new construction or remodeling.
• Code update disagreements: Some contractor groups, including the Home Builders Association of Michigan, have raised concerns about the implementation of new energy efficiency building codes, arguing they could increase costs for builders and homebuyers.
• Cost-effectiveness debates: Disagreements persist between state regulators and homebuilders regarding how to measure the cost-effectiveness of new energy efficiency standards. 

Overall, MiHER presents a mixed bag for contractors. While the program holds promise for expanding their businesses and promoting energy efficiency, challenges related to workforce development and concerns about code implementation remain. 

If you have a MIHER experience you would like to share, please let M.J. know at mjdsmith@miacca.org