RI offering rebates for home energy efficiency upgrades: Are you eligible?
by: Shaun Towne
PROVIDENCE, R.I. (WPRI) — U.S. Secretary of Energy Jennifer Granholm was in Rhode Island on Tuesday to announce a new program to help residents make their homes more energy efficient.
Granholm, Gov. Dan McKee and the state’s congressional delegation announced Rhode Island is receiving nearly $32 million in federal funding for the Home Electrification and Appliance Rebates (HEAR) program.
The goal, officials said, is to help reduce Rhode Islanders’ monthly energy bills, along with the state’s carbon footprint.
The program is being administered by the R.I. Office of Energy Resources (OER). At first, it will be open to low-income households, but officials said rebates will eventually be available to moderate-income households as well.
Participants will be able to get discounts for making home energy improvements and installing new energy-efficient appliances like heat pump clothes dryers and electric stoves, ranges and ovens.
Residents can find out if they’re eligible by requesting a free home energy audit through their local Community Action Agency.
The rebates will be administered on a first-come, first-served basis, officials said.
The low-income rebates include:
- $2,500 for electric wiring
- $4,000 for electric load service centers
- $1,840 for ENERGY STAR appliances
The moderate-income rebates include:
- $1,250 for electric wiring
- $2,000 for electric load service centers
- $420 for ENERGY STAR appliances
For more information, call (401) 714-3484 or email karen.bradbury@energy.ri.gov.