August has arrived, and with it comes increased energy consumption as we all try to stay cool in the heat. If you’ve been thinking about ways to make your home more efficient or transition to electric appliances, help is on the way. 

Starting in December, income-eligible residents in our service area will have access to a new rebate program through Energy Saver NC—a statewide initiative designed to reduce energy costs, improve home comfort, and support a cleaner energy future.

Funded by $208 million from the 2022 Inflation Reduction Act, this program is one of the first of its kind to launch in the country, and North Carolina is among just a dozen states already rolling it out. Through two programs—Homeowners Managing Energy Savings (HOMES) and Home Electrification and Appliance Rebates (HEAR)—households can receive significant financial assistance for energy upgrades. Rebates will be available for improvements such as installing a heat pump for heating and cooling, replacing a water heater with an energy-efficient heat pump model, upgrading electric panels and wiring, adding insulation, or switching over to electric appliances like stoves or clothes dryers. Depending on your income and the improvements being made, you could receive thousands of dollars back to help cover these costs.

But the benefits of this program extend far beyond individual homes. By investing in energy efficiency, the state also expects to create new business opportunities and support more than 2,300 jobs. That means stronger local economies, cleaner air inside and outside our homes, and real progress toward a healthier, more energy-efficient North Carolina.

For many families, this program offers a real opportunity to lower monthly energy bills while making the home more comfortable year-round. From keeping your home warmer in the winter and cooler in the summer to improving air quality and reducing strain on your electrical system, these upgrades offer long-term value. Best of all, the program is designed with accessibility in mind, offering full or discounted home energy assessments for eligible households and requiring only that participants work with state-approved contractors—ensuring the work meets high standards and is eligible for rebates.

Applications will open in December for our service area and can be submitted online, by phone, by email, or through the mail. Whether you own your home, manage a multifamily building, or rent with your landlord’s permission, you may qualify. To learn more, visit www.energysavernc.org or call 866-988-8555.

We’ll continue to share updates as the date approaches, but now is a great time to start thinking about your goals and identifying which upgrades might make the biggest difference in your home. Programs like this are designed to help families today while building a more sustainable future for everyone—and we’re proud to help spread the word.

Eddie Stocks