Rhode Island Becomes First New England State to Announce the Launch of $31 Million Home Electrification and Appliance Rebates Program

PROVIDENCE, RI – Today, U.S. Secretary of Energy Jennifer M. Granholm, joined by Governor Dan McKee and the Rhode Island Office of Energy Resources (OER), announced the launch of the Home Electrification and Appliance Rebates (HEAR) program. 

The HEAR program, administered by OER, will support the adoption of ENERGY STAR certified heat pump clothes dryers, electric stoves, ranges, ovens, or induction cook tops, and improvements to electric wiring and electric load service centers for Rhode Island residents. OER has received $31,820,030 from the U.S. Department of Energy to fund this multi-year program. 

Secretary Granholm marked the HEAR program launch with a special town hall event on the importance of home energy efficiency at the IBEW Local 99 Union Hall in Cranston, joined by local labor leaders, community organizations, and industry professionals. She continued her tour of RI with a visit to a local home. 

“Thousands of Rhode Islanders have already received rebates from the state’s recently launched Clean Heat RI program to upgrade to heat pumps to more efficiently heat and cool their homes,” said U.S. Secretary of Energy Jennifer M. Granholm. “Now, the state is using its federal Home Energy Rebates funding to help its residents update their electrical panels and wiring, and upgrade to electric stoves and heat pump clothes dryers. This is a shining example of how state and federal programs can work together to maximize impact.” 

“The Home Electrification and Appliance Rebates Program will help low-income Rhode Islanders update to ENERGY STAR appliances in their homes,” said Governor Dan McKee. "This initiative is another positive step in reducing our state's carbon emissions and creating the good-paying jobs necessary for the clean energy transition. We are looking forward to the next phase of the program, when moderate-income households will have access to these rebates."

“The federal government is energizing our economy and enabling more Rhode Islanders to make cost-effective home electrification upgrades. Made possible by the landmark Inflation Reduction Act, these rebates will lower household energy costs and fight climate change, while bolstering America’s energy independence and strengthening U.S. manufacturing,” said U.S. Senator Jack Reed. 

“I was very glad to help secure federal funding in Democrats’ historic Inflation Reduction Act to jumpstart Rhode Island’s Home Electrification and Appliance Rebates program, which was designed to help working families who are getting squeezed by high utility bills,” said U.S. Senator Sheldon Whitehouse. “I hope Rhode Islanders will take full advantage of this opportunity to get brand new appliances at a steep discount and make home improvements to save money on their electric bills.” 

“Heating or cooling your home shouldn’t cost a fortune, and today’s announcement will help Rhode Islanders save money on their energy bills, especially as we head into the colder months,” said Congressman Seth Magaziner (RI-02).

“I’m proud that Rhode Island is among the states leading the way to implement the Department of Energy’s Home Electrification and Appliance Rebates (HEAR) Program thanks to the historic investments in the Inflation Reduction Act,” said Congressman Gabe Amo (RI-01). “Through this program, Rhode Islanders in low- and middle-income households can receive support to upgrade their appliances — lowering their monthly energy bill and reducing our state’s carbon footprint to achieve our ambitious goal of net-zero emissions by 2050.” 

"The launch of the Home Electrification and Appliance Rebates Program can reduce the energy burden for low-income households," said Acting Rhode Island Office of Energy Resources Commissioner Chris Kearns. "In addition to empowering consumers, the program helps make homes more energy efficient, which is a necessary step towards achieving the Act on Climate goals.”

The HEAR program is only available to low-and moderate-income households, as determined by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development’s Area Median Income (AMI) levels. Rhode Islanders can determine if they are eligible for a HEAR rebate by signing up for a free home energy audit through their local Community Action Agency.  

The low-income rebate consists of the following: 

·     $2,500 for electric wiring 

·     $4,000 for electric load service centers 

·     $1,840 for ENERGY STAR appliances 

The moderate-income rebate consists of the following: 

·     $1,250 for electric wiring 

·     $2,000 for electric load service centers 

·     $420 for ENERGY STAR appliances 

On August 16, 2022, President Biden signed the landmark Inflation Reduction Act into law. The law includes $391 billion to support clean energy and address climate change, including $8.8 billion in rebates nationally for home energy efficiency and electrification projects. This allows for Americans to receive significant discounts on household upgrades that reduce monthly utility bills.  

For more information on the eligible rebate products, income restrictions, and how to apply, visit OER’s Home Energy Rebates webpage, https://energy.ri.gov/energy-incentives/home-energy-rebate-program.