Unveiling New Clean Energy Incentives: Dual Contributions from the IRA and Businesses

The Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) isn’t just a financial milestone; it’s a climate game-changer, too. It serves dual purposes: on one hand, it’s a fierce combatant against the looming climate crisis, and on the other, it’s an economic juggernaut, aimed at building a more inclusive clean energy economy. What sets the IRA apart is its comprehensive approach to driving investment nationwide, not just in affluent communities. Specifically, it gives an investment boost to low-income areas and communities that have historically been tethered to fossil fuel industries or burdened by pollution.

Let’s get into the Biden-Harris administration’s ambitious goals, shall we? They’re eyeing 100% clean electricity by 2035. Plus, they’ve rolled out an executive order mandating federal agencies to switch to 100% carbon-free electricity by the end of this decade. Now, the IRA did face some initial skepticism. Critics were quick to point out its complexity, state-by-state application variations, and seemingly convoluted criteria.

However, times have changed. The revised IRA now welcomes a diverse set of entities to reap its benefits, including state, local, and Tribal governments, as well as nonprofits and other tax-exempt organizations. On offer are a smorgasbord of tax credits such as the Production Tax Credit, Investment Tax Credit, and various others dedicated to clean vehicles, fuel production, and advanced energy projects.

According to the World Resources Institute, these tax credits are indeed a significant step toward achieving the administration’s clean electricity objectives. However, there’s a ‘but.’ The Institute notes that more will need to be done, particularly in ramping up the construction of electricity transmission capabilities. As a New York Times editorial cleverly pointed out, these credits alone won’t make the government as “nimble and modern” as President Biden envisions.

Confused about the jargon of ‘tax incentives’ and ‘rebates’? Let’s simplify it. A tax credit is a straight-up reduction in your income tax. You claim it when you file your tax return for the year in which you made an approved purchase. So, if you buy something qualifying in 2023, you’d claim the tax credit on your 2023 tax return, filed in 2024. A rebate, on the other hand, is more like an instant cashback. You get the money right after making the purchase, effectively reducing the overall cost.

And, if you’re wondering just how much you could potentially save, Rewiring America has rolled out a calculator. This handy tool helps U.S. residents figure out how much they could get back by investing in IRA-approved “household electrification incentives.”

So there you have it, the IRA in its updated form—more inclusive, more far-reaching, and definitely more aligned with a greener future. If you’re interested in diving deeper, the IRS has a dedicated webpage breaking down all the tax credits you can avail under the IRA, from clean vehicle energy credits to home energy ones. It’s worth a visit!