HUD updates guidance for solar energy program participants

The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development has announced publication of updated guidance for Public Housing Authorities (PHAs) and owners of properties participating in HUD Multifamily Assisted Housing programs regarding the treatment of financial benefits received from participation in community solar energy programs or the presence of on-site solar facilities. HUD updated this guidance to make it easier for program participants to understand and implement policies governing participation in solar programs so that residents can benefit from the expansion of these clean energy programs as provided in the Inflation Reduction Act. The new guidance consolidates multiple previously issued policy documents, along with current guidance for HUD programs supporting solar, including:

• New Community Solar Credits in Master Meter Buildings Guidance for Public Housing Authorities, which augments existing PIH guidance in PIH Notice-2022-34-Rate Reduction Incentive Guidance, Treatment of Community Solar Credits on Tenant Utility Bills; PIH Notice 2022-32-Small Rural Frozen Rolling Base Guidance; PIH Notice 2011-3-Energy Performance Contract Guidance; and
• New Housing Notice 2023-09 for Multifamily Assisted Housing property owners