What does this funding get me?
Through the Tariffed On-Bill Energy Efficiency Program, you can sign up for to install various energy efficiency improvements in your home, pay for them over time through a surcharge on your electric bill, and start saving money immediately. If you move, the next owner or renter takes over the payments.
The service begins with an energy audit to determine what upgrades will produce the most energy savings. Once you decide what work to have done, your utility will contract with trusted partners to perform the work. The programs are designed with the intention (though not a guarantee) of reducing your electric bill by more than the surcharge you pay on your bill each month.
Am I eligible?
Any Duke Energy customer in NC who is on an individually-metered residential account and not on an installment payment plan can participate in Duke’s Improve & Save program. The program covers HVAC equipment and duct sealing, attic insulation and air sealing, and heat pump water heaters. It is open to both homeowners and renters. In the case of renters, the landlord must sign the agreement with Duke. Repayments are made over a period of 10 years. (Customers who currently heat with gas are not eligible. Consider switching to electric using IRA tax credits and rebates.)
Commercial or residential customers of the Roanoke Electric Membership Cooperative can participate in the coop’s Upgrade to $ave program, which covers insulation, duct and air sealing, heat pump improvements, water heater wraps, and LED lighting.
How can I access the money?
Click the Roanoke and Duke links in the previous section to apply. If you are not a Roanoke or Duke customer, check with your utility to see what energy-saving programs they offer. Ask them to consider setting up a tariffed on-bill program.
What is the timeline?
Roanoke Cooperative has offered its tariffed on-bill program since about 2015. The NC Utilities Commission ordered Duke Energy to establish a program. Duke’s program was approved by the Commission in August 2023 and became available in early 2024. This program is ongoing.
What other incentives could I use to help me accomplish my goals?
- You can participate in this program and also take advantage of the Weatherization Assistance Program (WAP) and Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP).
- If you choose not to participate in your utility’s program, you can do similar energy efficiency work and get money back from tax credits (available now) and the HEAR and HER rebate programs (launching early 2025).
- 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.
- Check out our (non-exhaustive) list of non-federal funding from other sources that may fit your energy and cost-saving goals.
Where can I get more information?
- Duke’s Improve & Save program
- NC Utilities Commission order approving the Duke program
- Roanoke’s Upgrade to $ave program
- Rewiring America has launched a Personal Electrification Planner to help 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.
- For specific questions on this program or for more assistance, contact Sally Robertson at info@energyfundsforall.org.