Energy Saver North Carolina
Energy Saver North Carolina includes more than $208 million dollars for federally funded rebates for income-eligible households. The rebates are designed to make it more affordable for households to install cost- and energy-saving measures such as heat pumps, electrical panels and insulation. Energy Saver NC will also serve as an opportunity to create new businesses, support more than 2,300 jobs and boost local economies.
This program will reduce energy burden on North Carolinians, improve air quality, both indoor and outdoor, support historically underserved communities statewide, and advance NC's 2050 goal of net-zero greenhouse gas emissions (GHGs).
Energy Saver NC includes two distinct, but complementary U.S. Department of Energy programs, Homeowners Managing Efficiency Rebates (HOMES) and Home Electrification and Appliance Rebates (HEAR). We are committed to a seamless resident and contractor experience, which is why DEQ is combining the two programs with existing utility rebates to simplify the experience for homeowners and contractors, to the extent possible.
Homeowners Managing Efficiency Savings
These rebates are for improvements that increase the overall energy efficiency of a home, such as insulation, air sealing, and upgrading heating and cooling systems.
Home Electrification and Appliance Rebates
These rebates support the purchase of energy-efficient appliances and home electrification of home systems, like switching from gas to electric stoves or installing heat pump water heaters.
Program Timeline
NC residents can now apply for energy rebates.
The timeline for Energy Saver NC was designed to meet all the important rules and standards from DOE. DEQ expects the program to run until 2031 or until funds are depleted.
U.S. Department of Energy Eligibility Guidelines
Participant Eligibility
Who is eligible to participate?
- Single-family homeowners
- Multifamily building owners
- Tenants (with permission from owner)
Which homeowner types are prioritized?
- Low-Income Residents: those with household income levels below 80% of Area Median Income
- Moderate-Income Residents: those with household income levels between 80% and 150% of Area Median Income
- There must be at least 20% energy savings for major home upgrades (this applies to to HOMES rebates only)
- Appliances must be ENERGY STAR certified
- There must be a total rebate cap by home/homeowner
- Contractors are required to perform installation
Some guidelines have been set by DOE for all states, but NC's program may include additional or more specific eligibility requirements.
Rebate Levels by Project
Recommended Rebates for Example Projects:
| Rebate Amount (up to) | Project Type |
|---|---|
| $8,000 | Heat pump for space heating/cooling |
| $1,750 | Heat pump water heater |
| $4,000 | Electric load service center |
| $2,000 | Electric wiring |
| $1,600 | Insulation, air sealing, ventilation |
| $840 | Electric stove |
| $840 | Heat pump clothes dryer |
Total rebate cannot exceed actual project costs