With the launch this week of Energy Saver North Carolina, income-eligible households now can apply for more than $208 million in federally funded rebates to make installing cost-saving measures such as heat pumps, electrical panels and insulation more affordable.
Gov. Josh Stein joined officials from the North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality, the State Energy Office and U.S. Department of Energy to celebrate the launch of the program at Trane Technologies in Davidson.
Supporter Spotlight
In addition to helping residents saver money, the program is an opportunity to create new businesses, support more than 2,300 jobs and boost local economies, officials said.
“Energy Saver NC will create job opportunities and put money back in hard-working North Carolinians’ pockets while moving our state towards the goal of a 21st century clean energy economy,” Stein said in a release. “This program is a perfect example of what it means to be North Carolina Strong – creating opportunities by doing the right thing.”
Initially, Energy Saver NC will focus on single-family, owner-occupied housing, particularly those in high energy-burdened, disadvantaged regions and in areas with storm impacts.
“Energy Saver NC will help low- and moderate-income North Carolina families save money on utility bills, make their homes healthier and more comfortable, reduce emissions and improve our air quality,” Wilson said. “From insulation of doors and windows to cooking dinner on their new electric stovetop, this critical program will help to improve the lives of North Carolinians on a daily basis.”
Single-family homeowners making less than 80% of their area median income may be eligible for rebates. Rebates at lower amounts will be available for moderate-income homeowners earning between 80% and 150% of their area median income.
Supporter Spotlight
As part of Energy Saver NC, whole-home energy savings rebates can be up to $16,000 for eligible single-family homes.
High-efficiency electric appliance rebates can be up to $14,000 per dwelling unit, which officials said can include the following:
- $8,000 for a whole-home heat pump for space heating and cooling.
- $4,000 for an electrical panel.
- $2,500 for electrical wiring.
- $1,750 for a heat pump water heater.
- $1,600 for insulation, air sealing and ventilation.
- $840 for heat pump clothes dryer and/or electric stove, cooktop, range or oven.
Energy Saver NC includes two U.S. Department of Energy rebate programs: the Homeowners Managing Efficiency Savings, or HOMES, and the Home Electrification and Appliance Rebates, or HEAR.
North Carolina is the first state in the nation to fully launch both rebate programs at the same time, and the 12th nationwide to implement a rebate program, according to NCDEQ.
In observance of Martin Luther King Jr. Day and in recognition of the continued struggle for civil rights, Coastal Review will not publish on Monday, Jan. 20.
