Saving Energy Costs
North Carolina Expands Energy Saver Program to Brunswick County
It is no secret that electricity rates are increasing in North Carolina. This past November Duke Energy has requested a rate increase of more than 13%. Both the Governor and Attorney General have expressed their opposition to the rate proposal.
To help consumers, in January 2025 the Governor launched Energy Saver NC, an initiative to promote energy efficiency that provides rebates to households that install energy-efficient appliances, improve home insulation, or upgrade electrical systems.
North Carolina has recently announced that it has expanded is Energy Saver program to qualified homeowners or renters in Brunswick County and throughout the State. A program to assist multi-family buildings will be launched later this year.
We were pleased to speak with Francisco Martinez-Marquez, an Environmental Program Consultant with the NC Department of Environmental Quality about the program.
Program Overview
Energy Saver North Carolina helps income-eligible homeowners and renters cover the cost of energy efficiency and electrification upgrades, such as heat pumps, electrical panels and insulation.
The Benefits:
Saves energy and money on bills
Improves homes, making them more comfortable, safe and resilient
Reduces energy burden in communities statewide
Support more than 2,300 jobs and boost local economies.
Improved indoor and outdoor air quality
Advance NC’s 2050 goal of net-zero greenhouse gas emissions.
How it works:
The program includes two pathways designed to help families make their homes more energy efficiency and affordable:
Homeowners Managing Efficiency Savings (HOMES): Offers eligible households up to $16,000 for home efficiency upgrades, such as air sealing or energy-efficient HVAC units.
Home Electrification and Appliance Rebates (HEAR): Provides up to $14,000 for high-efficiency electrical appliances like such as heat pump water heaters and electric stoves.
Income Eligibility Information
The documents below will provide information regarding your eligibility for the programs regarding the Area Median Income (AMI) and Income Qualification Checklist.
You can learn more about the Energy Saver program by clicking on the button below or by calling Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 7 p.m., at 866-998-8555.