What does this funding get me?
This is a utility 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 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, smart thermostats, insulation, duct sealing and replacement, heat pump water heaters, and other measures as determined on a case-by-case basis. It is open to both homeowners and renters. In the case of renters, the landlord must sign the agreement with Duke.
Customers of the Roanoke Electric Membership Cooperative can participate in the coop’s Upgrade to $ave program.
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.
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), Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) and Home Electrification and Appliance Rebate program (HEAR).
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?
- 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.
- For specific questions on this program or for more assistance, contact Sally Robertson at info@energyfundsforall.org.