Be an NC Energy Saver

Jacqueline and Joe Long saved on their electric bill thanks to Roanoke Cooperative's Upgrade to $ave program.

When Jacqueline Long first heard about her electric cooperative’s energy efficiency rebate program, it was through a friend who had mentioned it years ago. She had initially looked into it but never followed through. When the same friend brought it up again, she decided to give it another chance. She’s glad she did.

In the early months of 2024, Jacqueline and her husband, Joe, had energy-efficiency upgrades completed on their home through Roanoke Cooperative’s Upgrade to $ave program. The process started with a free energy assessment, where a skilled auditor visited their home to identify areas where efficiency could be improved. Based on the assessment, their co-op sent a trained weatherization crew to their home to complete the upgrades, including installing a new HVAC system.

“The application process is open statewide, and we encourage all residents to apply to secure their place in the queue, even if their county has not yet reached the processing phase.”

“Our system was heating and cooling all right, but I saw a whole lot of difference when we got the new system in. And the light bill isn’t as high as it was before,” Jacqueline says.

The effectiveness of home energy efficiency and appliance upgrades in reducing energy costs has led the North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) to launch its own statewide rebate programs through the Energy Saver North Carolina initiative.

“We launched the program in January and are rolling it out in different phases in order to train contractors across counties in an effective and efficient way,” explains Francisco Martínez-Márquez, Energy Innovator Fellow for the State Energy Office, a part of DEQ. The current phase includes Halifax and Cleveland Counties, with a second phase beginning this month in some Western NC counties. “The application process is open statewide, and we encourage all residents to apply to secure their place in the queue, even if their county has not yet reached the processing phase.”

For those considering making energy upgrades to their home, Jacqueline encourages homeowners to take those first steps, whether in contacting their electric co-op or reaching out to Energy Saver North Carolina.

“I advise them to do it — it would be a good thing,” she says. “No need to keep paying a high light bill if your house is still cold in the winter or hot in the summer.”

More than $208 million in funding for the Energy Saver North Carolina program was obtained by the state through the federal Inflation Reduction Act. The program will continue to expand through all counties into next year and is expected to run until 2031, or until all funds are depleted.

“North Carolina’s home energy rebates provide an opportunity to make lasting improvements to your home’s energy efficiency,” says Keishaa Austin, principal deputy director of the U.S. Department of Energy’s Office of State and Community Energy Programs. “By investing in upgrades now, you could reduce your heating costs, and you’ll also enjoy savings and comfort for years to come.”

How it works

Energy Saver North Carolina is made up of two programs, based on the type of upgrades. NC residents can participate in both, though not for the same upgrade or equipment type. Start by determining if you stand to benefit more from the HOMES program (“Homeowners Managing Efficiency Savings”) or the HEAR program (“Home Electrification and Appliance Rebates”). The answer is largely based on your Area Median Income (AMI) level, which is determined by what county you live in, annual income and household size. (Quickly calculate AMI at energysavernc.org or by calling 866-998-8555 — households with an AMI greater than 150% are not eligible for either rebate program.)

Find Available Rebates

To learn about Energy Saver North Carolina rebates and more, explore this interactive home from North Carolina’s Electric Cooperatives.

FIND REBATES