North Carolina has more than $200 million available for residents who qualify for home energy rebates in all 100 of the state’s counties.
Under the N.C. Department of Environmental Quality’s Energy Saver North Carolina program, an eligible household may receive up to $16,000 in rebates for making energy-efficient improvements, including installing heat pump heating and cooling systems and insulation.
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The program also offers additional rebates of up to $14,000 for high-efficiency electrical appliances like water heaters and electric cooktops.
North Carolina is the first in the nation to fully launch both types of rebates at the same time, according to a DEQ release.
“Electricity bills are too high, and I am committed to doing everything I can to lower your costs,” Gov. Josh Stein stated in the release. “Now, eligible families across the state will be able to lower their energy bills about $1,000 a year on average and improve the comfort and safety of their homes. These upgrades also strengthen our energy system, help our environment, and support good-paying jobs in communities statewide.”
DEQ launched Energy Save NC in January 2025, adding counties to the program throughout the year.
More than 4,800 applications have been submitted to the program and more than 1,700 have been approved and working through the rebate reservation process, according to the release.
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Estimates show that, since it was initiated, the program has installed $777,000 worth of rebate-eligible projects in 51 households.
Last year, the program generated an estimated 293,000 kilowatt-hours. Energy upgrades supported through the program make homes resilient, improve home comfort and safety, reduces energy demand and strain on the state’s power grid, and invests in local jobs.
Energy Saver NC is funded through two U.S. Department of Energy rebate programs that aim to help families make their homes more energy efficient and lower their utility bills.
Those programs are the Homeowners Managing Efficiency Savings, or HOMES, which offers eligible households up to $16,000 for upgrades such as air sealing or energy-efficient HVAC unites, and Home Electrician and Appliance Rebates, or HEAR, which provides up to $14,000 for high-efficiency electrical appliances.
“Now that the program is available across the state, eligible North Carolina families can lower their utility bills by up to $80 per month, and their homes will be more comfortable,” DEQ Secretary Reid Wilson stated in the release. “These energy-saving steps will also reduce carbon emissions and improve air quality while supporting more than 2,000 jobs for the contractors doing the installations. That’s a win all the way around for North Carolina.”
Residents eligible for full rebates include single-family homeowners and renters who earn less than 80% of their area median income, or AMI, as determined by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development.
Qualifying residents of partial rebates are moderate-income homeowners or renters who earn 80% to 150% of the AMI.
Rebates also depend on upgrade types, including the following:
- $8,000 for a space heating and cooling heat pump.
- $4,000 for an electric load service center (electric panel).
- $2,500 for electric wiring.
- $1,750 for a heat pump water heater.
- $1,600 for insulation, air sealing, and ventilation.
- $840 for a heat pump clothes dryer and/or electric stove, cooktop, range, or oven.
Rebates are paid to contractors after a project is complete, leaving resident responsible only for any remaining costs after a rebate has been applied.
Once a household qualifies for the program, a certified assessor will conduct a free assessment of the home’s energy use and recommend money-saving improvements.
Energy Save NC-approved contractors, who are registered, licensed professionals specially trained in energy-efficient installations, must complete all upgrades.
Once a household reviews a contractor’s quotes, that household may approve the projects and pricing with the rebate applied.
