San Joaquin Times

U.S. Representative Josh Harder announced a new federal rebate program, included in the Inflation Reduction Act, aimed at assisting San Joaquin County families with energy bill savings. Harder made this announcement through a press release on October 8.

According to the press release, the Home Electrification and Appliance Rebates (HEAR) program, part of the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA), has allocated $4.5 billion for energy efficiency rebates designed to reduce household energy costs. California’s HEAR program is utilizing these federal funds to provide rebates for energy-efficient upgrades, including heat pumps, HVAC systems, and water heaters. Low-income households can receive up to $8,000, while middle-income households are eligible for up to $4,000 to install ENERGY STAR-certified heat pump systems.

The Institute for Energy Research reports that the initial $400 billion earmarked for green energy subsidies under the IRA has surged, with projections now estimating costs up to $1.2 trillion. This increase is attributed to the uncapped nature of tax credits for technologies like wind and solar, raising concerns about fiscal responsibility and long-term economic impact.

According to the Indianapolis Business Journal, economists have questioned the IRA's effectiveness in curbing inflation. Experts from Harvard University and the University of Pennsylvania's Penn Wharton Budget Model suggest that the act has had minimal influence on reducing inflation rates, indicating that other factors have played a role in recent economic trends.

As of early 2025, Energy Sage reports that the average residential electricity rate in San Joaquin County is approximately 30 cents per kilowatt-hour (kWh). This rate is 5% lower than California's state average of 31.31 cents/kWh but 46% higher than the national average of 20 cents/kWh. Residents face higher electricity expenses compared to many other regions in the United States.

Harder has represented California's 9th congressional district since 2023 after previously serving the 10th district from 2019 to 2023. According to his House website, before entering Congress he worked in venture capital and taught business at Modesto Junior College.