What does this funding get me?
This program, also known as the Homeowners Managing Efficiency Rebates (HOMES), provides rebates for comprehensive home energy upgrades like insulation and air sealing, along with the installation of newer and more efficient appliances. If the upgrade will save 35% or more energy, you can receive up to $4,000 or 50% of the project costs, whichever is less. For energy savings between 20% and 34%, you can get up to $2,000 or 50% of project costs, whichever is less. There is a household maximum rebate of $16,000.
Check the application for specific requirements for the old materials/appliances you replace and the new ones you install.
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.
Am I eligible?
If you live in a low-income or moderate-income household, you are eligible.
Low-income: 80% of area medium income (AMI) and below
Moderate-income: 80 to 150% of AMI
Check here for AMI in your county.
Landlords can apply for work done in housing that is rented to low- or moderate-income households.
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. This map shows the anticipated timing of the program rollout in all 100 counties in North Carolina. 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. You can apply now even if the program won’t open in your county until later. If you are a contractor and would like to participate in the program, sign up here.
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.
This federal 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 Note this link is an archived version of the former DOE web page and is no longer being updated.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.
Under certain circumstances, these rebates may be available retroactively for retrofit projects that began as early as August 16, 2022. Check this Department of Energy guidance for details. If you are in North Carolina and are looking to take advantage of a retroactive rebate, make sure to work with a contractor who is interested in becoming certified through EnergySaverNC. Contact us for more details.
What other incentives could I use to help me accomplish my goals?
- Tariffed On-Bill Financing Program (currently available to customers of Duke Energy NC and Roanoke Electric Membership Cooperative)
- Home Electrification and Appliance Rebate Program (HEAR)
- Energy Efficient Home Improvement Tax Credit
- 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
- Electrify Asheville-Buncombe provides free help navigating rebates and other incentives to residents of Buncombe County, NC
- 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.