Home Economy Economic Activity State’s energy-efficiency rebate program for home electrification, appliances expanded

State’s energy-efficiency rebate program for home electrification, appliances expanded

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PBN Staff

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05/11/2026

energy_Star — RHODE ISLAND has expanded its Home Electrification and Appliance Rebates program to moderate-income households which will provide eligible residents a new coupon-based way to purchase Energy-Star appliances, complete electrical upgrades and cap unused gas lines.

PROVIDENCE – Rhode Island has expanded its Home Electrification and Appliance Rebates program to support moderate-income households in 11 municipalities, the R.I. Office of Energy Resources announced Monday. Launched in September 2024 in partnership with the state’s Community Action Program Agencies, The R.I. Office of Energy Resources received $31.8 million from the U.S. Department of Energy to fund the

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PROVIDENCE – Rhode Island has expanded its Home Electrification and Appliance Rebates program to support moderate-income households in 11 municipalities, the R.I. Office of Energy Resources announced Monday. Launched in September 2024 in partnership with the state’s Community Action Program Agencies, The R.I. Office of Energy Resources received $31.8 million from the U.S. Department of Energy to fund the program aimed to help install energy-saving improvements in homes of low- and middle-income families. The new pilot program will extend the HEAR rebates to moderate-income households, providing eligible residents a new coupon-based way to purchase Energy-Star appliances, complete electrical upgrades and cap unused gas lines. The pilot will serve residents of Pawtucket, East Providence, Barrington, Warren, Bristol, Little Compton, Tiverton, Portsmouth, Middletown, Newport and Jamestown. "This next phase of the program provides a great opportunity for more Rhode Island families to access these energy rebates to upgrade their households with modern, efficient appliances that improve home comfort and reduce energy usage," said Gov. Daniel J. McKee. Approved low-income households, defined as at or below 80% of Area Median Income, are eligible for 100% of the cost covered up to the following caps:

$1,000 for Energy Star electric cooking appliances
$1,600 for Energy Star heat pump, clothes dryers
$2,500 for electric wiring work
$4,000 for electric panel upgrades

Approved moderate-income households, defined as 81% to 150% of AMI, are eligible for 50% of the cost covered up to the following caps:

$840 for Energy Star electric cooking appliances
$840 for Energy Star heat pump, clothes dryers
$2,500 for electric wiring work
$4,000 for electric panel upgrades

Both income tiers are eligible for gas capping support of up to $250 for one eligible appliance or $300 for two eligible appliances capped during the same project. OER is partnering with East Bay Community Action Program to simplify access to HEAR rebates. Approved applicants will receive a coupon to purchase eligible Energy Star appliances at participating retailers or online. Electrical wiring work, electric panel upgrades, and gas capping are available through the OER HEAR application and completed by OER-approved HEAR program contractors. Residents seeking to participate in the pilot program must apply and be approved by OER before purchasing an eligible product or scheduling approved work. Purchases or work completed before approval are not eligible for reimbursement. "We are excited that this next phase of the rebate program expands household electrification measures to moderate-income households for the first time and gives Rhode Islanders a simple way to access energy-efficient appliances and electrical upgrades,” said acting OER Commissioner Chris Kearns. “OER’s partnership with East Bay Community Action Program Agency complements the ongoing Community Action Program Agencies pathway we launched in September 2024 and moves us closer to a statewide moderate-income rebate incentive program later this year." Rhode Island is one of only 12 states in the U.S. with active HEAR programs.