Piedmont Electric is your partner in energy and cost savings—not only through our member-exclusive programs, but also by sharing new opportunities like the U.S. Department of Energy’s Homeowners Managing Energy Savings (HOMES) and Home Electrification & Appliance Rebates (HEAR), which offer over $208 million to help income-eligible North Carolinians lower energy bills and improve home efficiency. These initiatives, launched in January 2025, provide income-eligible households with substantial rebates on energy-saving home upgrades and appliances.
Understanding HOMES & HEAR
The HOMES program incentivizes whole-home energy upgrades, offering rebates based on modeled energy savings. The HEAR program, on the other hand, focuses on electrification efforts, providing rebates for installing high-efficiency electric appliances such as heat pumps, electric ranges and insulation.
Who Qualifies?
Eligibility for these rebates depends on income level and household size:
- Households earning less than 80% of area median income (AMI): Up to 100% of project costs covered, up to a set amount.
- Households earning between 80%-150% of AMI: Up to 50% of project costs covered, up to a set amount.
- Households earning above 150% of AMI: Not eligible for rebates.
Renters can also qualify with landlord approval, and multifamily building owners may receive greater rebates if more than 50% of tenants meet income eligibility.
What Upgrades Are Covered?
Through the HEAR program, rebates are available for the following:
- Up to $8,000 for an ENERGY STAR® certified heat pump
- Up to $4,000 for an electrical panel upgrade
- Up to $2,500 for electrical wiring improvements
- Up to $1,750 for an ENERGY STAR-certified heat pump water heater
- Up to $1,600 for insulation, air sealing and ventilation
- Up to $840 for an ENERGY STAR-certified heat pump dryer or washer/dryer combo
- Up to $840 for an ENERGY STAR-certified electric range or cooktop
For HOMES, whole-home retrofits that improve energy efficiency qualify for up to $16,000 in rebates.
How to Apply
Visit energysavernc.org to check eligibility and apply. HOMES requires a free energy assessment; HEAR applicants need a contractor quote. Or apply at pemc.coop/smart_energy/home-efficiency/ and we will help connect you with the best option for your household.
Additional Considerations
- Rebates cannot be combined with other federal grants for the same upgrade. Utility incentives can be stacked with these rebates, if they don’t exceed the total project cost. Self-installation is not eligible for rebates—work must be completed by a registered contractor. Retroactive rebates are available for HOMES projects started after Aug. 16, 2022, if they meet program requirements.
Need Assistance?
Navigating rebate applications can be complex, but we’re here to help! Contact us for guidance on eligibility and the application process by calling 800.222.3107.