What does this funding get me?
This program gives point-of-sale rebates (which are essentially big discounts) for electrification projects, many of which save consumers money on their electricity bills. Details on this page apply to the North Carolina program, which launched January 2025. When the South Carolina program opens, this page will be updated to point out any differences.
The program provides rebates on such improvements as:
- Up to $8,000 for an ENERGY STAR-certified electric heat pump
- Up to $4,000 for an electrical panel
- Up to $2,500 for electrical wiring
- Up to $1,750 for an ENERGY STAR-certified electric heat pump water heater
- Up to $1,600 for ENERGY STAR-certified insulation, mechanical ventilation products and air sealing
- Up to $840 for an ENERGY STAR-certified heat pump dryer or combo washer/dryer
- Up to $840 for an ENERGY STAR-certified electric range or cooktop
The maximum total rebate is $14,000 per household. Check the application for specific requirements for the old materials/appliances you replace and the new ones you install.
Am I eligible?
If you live in a low-income or moderate-income household, you are eligible. Homeowners and renters are both eligible under the income qualifications.
Subject to the caps mentioned above, this program covers 100% of electrification project costs for low-income households and 50% of costs for moderate-income households.
Low-income: 80% of area medium income (AMI) and below
Moderate-income: 80 to 150% of AMI
Check here for AMI in your county. Need help? See more resources below.
Owners of renter-occupied buildings, including both single- and multi-family buildings, may apply for rebates on behalf of households they carry out projects for.
How can I access the money?
North Carolina: The NC State Energy Office (SEO) launched its rebate program — Energy Saver NC — on January 16, 2025. Initially, the rebates are only available in Halifax and Cleveland counties but will be expanded to Western NC this spring and statewide later in the year. The rebate is received through a qualified contractor, so be sure to use a contractor listed on the Energy Saver NC website. The program runs through 2031 or until funds are depleted. Apply and learn more here. If you are a contractor and would like to participate in the program, fill out this pre-application today!
South Carolina: The SC Energy Office submitted its application to DOE in early January 2025 and has paused work on the rebates pending further information and instruction from DOE. For more information, contact Gretchen Pool, Energy Program Coordinator at 803-737-0984 in the SC Energy Office.
Tribes: In addition to states, Federally-recognized Tribes can apply for funding to establish a HEAR program. For further guidance, visit DOE’s Tribal HEAR program page.
This map shows the status of the rebate program in each state effective January 2025. Note this link is an archived version of the former DOE web page and is no longer being updated.
What is the timeline?
See previous section.
Rebates under the HEAR program will not be retroactive, so you cannot apply for upgrades you performed before the program launched. There is some retroactivity for the related HER (HOMES) rebate program.
What other incentives could I use to help me accomplish my goals?
- Homeowners Managing Efficiency Savings (HOMES) (previously known as HER)
- Energy Efficient Home Improvement Tax Credit
- In South Carolina, check out the state’s Energy Saver Tool.
- Tariffed On-Bill Financing Program (currently available to cusomers of Duke Energy NC and Roanoke Electric Membership Cooperative)
- Check the Database of State Incentives for Renewables & Efficiency (DSIRE) for additional incentives that may be offered by your state, local government, or utility, as well as important federal, state, and local policies. For questions regarding DSIRE, contact Justin Lindemann (NC Clean Energy Technology Center) at jplindem@ncsu.edu.
Where can I get more information?
- DOE web page on HEAR and HER rebates
- Energy Saver North Carolina (NC rebate program), energysavernc@aptim.com, 866-998-8555
- SC Energy Office web page on the rebates
- Sierra Club’s Appliance Buyers Guide
- NC Clean Energy Technology Center’s Word to the Wise guide to home energy upgrades, which has more information on this incentive and others, plus hints on hiring contractors (English) (Spanish)
- Rewiring America’s coverage of the Home Energy Rebate programs
- Rewiring America’s Personal Electrification Planner helps homeowners and renters see what funds may fit their individual needs. In less than five minutes, the Personal Electrification Planner will generate a customized plan to help users go electric based on their unique home, lifestyle, and priorities. Check out the Planner HERE. *Due to Rewiring America’s changed privacy policy, any data you input may be sold to third parties.
- See the topline recommendations and full public comment letter that we submitted during the public comment period for the NC rebates.
- For questions about these rebates, and to get help applying for them, please contact Meech Carter at info@energyfundsforall.org.