ACCA has focuses on two provisions, the rebate mechanism and the need for accreditation. ACCA claims that a rebate to contractors is unworkable because contractors won’t be willing or able to cover the cost of the rebate. They also claim that accrediting companies isn’t necessary and it will limit the penetration of Home Star to two states. ACCA is wrong on both counts.

Regarding the rebate, a direct to consumer rebate is problematic on two fronts. First, it is administratively difficult and expensive, and would require the Department of Energy to be a massive infrastructure for a short term initiative. This would be an unnecessary use of taxpayer dollars given the ready alternative proposed in the bill—and House and Senate staff understand this. Second, in today’s strained economy and very tight credit markets, home owners have difficulty paying the full cost of the improvements up front. Being able to reduce the cost immediately at the time of sale will allow many more home owners to participate and provide a greater benefit for the contracting industry. While we are as concerned about cash flow as any business, it’s important to keep the rebates in perspective. We anticipate the rebate accounting for no more than 20-25% of the cost of the typical qualifying HVAC project. The legislation calls for a 30-day turnaround from submission of documentation to receipt of funds. Covering this relatively small amount for 30 days fits well within the means of most contractors, particularly those who are able to deliver the work at the required level of quality. John, we install the work, we can do this, and we know Home Star will be GREAT from business.

Regarding the accreditation, again, both House and Senate members and staff have repeatedly pointed to this as necessary to help ensure a high level of quality and results and to best protect the taxpayers’ resources being expended. Voluntary certification approaches have been in place for decades and they are not sufficient. Company level accreditation or compliance is needed and we whole.

ACCA’s point about BPI Accredited contractors being predominant in two states actually proves the counter to their argument. In states with programs and incentives lower than those anticipated under Home Star, contractors have shown that they are willing and able to get accredited. The same is true for the entire country. GreenHomes is not accredited in California. However, we meet all the requirements and would immediately become accredited on passage of Home Star. The same applies to other contractors across the country. And thousands of contractors, including HVAC, insulation, and windows installers have expressed their support for Home Star in its current form.

It’s regrettable that ACCA is raising issues that are contrary to most contractors who would participate in Home Star and contrary to even much of its own membership. Home Star deserves the support of the entire Senate, and it should be brought to the floor and passed immediately.

Mike Rogers
GreenHomes America

i had a person who has CO accredation from 3 major sources with over 20 years in the HVAC field, that could not pass the CO accredation, it is not a true test of CO, it takes into account many other area’s of CO.

If you as a auditor can wait for your money that is great, 50% of $300.00 to $500.00 and some as low as $49.00 that is great.

But understand that as a HVAC, PLUNBING, and ELECTRICAL contractor our ability is to do 100 jobs a month at $5,000.00 to $10,000.00 is a lot of money. An extra $250,00 a month in you AR is not GOOD BUSINESS.

Each person can finance the complete jobs, of which they will have to most of the time, then when they get the money from the Goverment, they can pay off the difference.

Your one sided look at this required me to send this and stand behind ACCA.

John Sr.