Eligible Columbus County residents can potentially see major savings on the electric bills through a new program.
The new Energy Saver North Carolina program is designed to make it more affordable for low- to moderate-income households to install energy- and cost-saving measures such as heat pumps, electrical panels and insulation.
In January, the N. C. Dept. Environmental Quality (DEQ) launched Energy Saver NC, which includes more than $208 million for federally funded rebates.
Energy Saver NC includes two programs: Homeowners Managing Efficiency Savings (HOMES) and Home Electrification and Appliance Rebates (HEAR). As part of HOMES, eligible households can receive up to $16,000 for home efficiency improvements, such as air sealing or energy-efficient HVAC units. The HEAR program covers up to $14,000 for high-efficiency electrical appliances like heat pump water heaters and electric stoves.
“Energy Saver NC will help Columbus County families who need it most save money on utility bills, make their homes healthier and more comfortable, reduce emissions and improve our air quality,” said DEQ Secretary Reid Wilson. “This vital program will help improve the lives of North Carolinians on a daily basis, from efficient new electric appliances to installation of new heating and cooling systems.”
North Carolina is the first state in the nation to fully launch both rebate programs at the same time, and the 12th nationwide to implement a rebate program.
Rebate amounts depend on household income and projects’ modeled energy savings. Initially, Energy Saver NC is focusing on single-family, owner-occupied or rented housing, particularly those in high energy-burdened, disadvantaged regions and in areas with storm impacts.
The program is currently open to 39 counties. Residents from across the state may start their application before the program opens in their county. The program will continue to open to more counties across North Carolina in the future.
Single-family homeowners making less than 80 percent of their area median income (AMI) may be eligible for full rebates. Rebates at lower amounts will be available for moderate-income homeowners earning between 80 percent and 150 percent of their AMI.
Four-person households in Columbus County earning up to $61,100 could be eligible for a full rebate. Single-family homeowners and tenants, with their owners’ permission, may apply.
Once income eligibility is confirmed, households that selected the HOMES program will need to schedule a free home energy assessment. Assessors will help households understand how their homes use energy and provide a list of qualified energy efficiency improvements.
Households must use an Energy Saver NC contractor to complete the work. The program’s partners are registered, licensed and trained. These partnerships are directly creating new business, jobs, and boosting Columbus County’s local economy.
After reviewing quotes, households will approve the projects and their prices with the rebate applied. Contractors will then submit the project to the Energy Saver NC program for approval. Once approved, the contractor will complete the work.
Households may apply online, by email, phone or mail. Energy Saver NC also has a customer care team available Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. at 866.998.8555.
For a full breakdown of income eligibility by household size, visit the AMI Income Summary.
To learn more about Energy Saver NC, visit energysavernc.org.
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