The Department of Housing and Community Development's (DHCD) Housing Innovations in Energy Efficiency (HIEE) funding makes energy efficiency upgrades to new and existing residential buildings to reduce energy bills for low-income Virginians. DHCD administers HIEE funds to enhance affordable housing programs benefiting low- to moderate-income (LMI) families in Virginia. Since fiscal year 2021, HIEE funds have been allocated to DHCD’s Affordable and Special Needs Housing (ASNH) program and the Weatherization Deferral Repair (WDR) Program. ASNH and WDR information and program guidelines are posted on their respective program pages.
HIEE is funded through Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative (RGGI) proceeds to the Virginia Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ). RGGI is a regional cap and trade program designed to reduce climate pollution from fossil fuel power plants. Legislation passed by the Virginia General Assembly authorized proceeds from these auctions to be used for community flood preparedness, coastal resilience and energy efficiency programs for affordable housing. DHCD administers approximately 50% of the auction proceeds through HIEE, with technical assistance from the Virginia Department of Energy.
