(Rocky Mount, N.C) Residents in Edgecombe County can now apply for energy rebates through the North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality’s (DEQ) Energy Saver NC program, which helps eligible residents save money and live more comfortably by upgrading homes with energy-efficient improvements such as heat pumps, electrical panels and insulation. Edgecombe County is one of 60 counties DEQ is adding to the program on December 15, for a total of 98 counties. The final two counties will be added in January 2026.
“The cost of living is too high across the board, so it’s particularly exciting to see Energy Saver NC’s initiative expand statewide,” said Governor Josh Stein. “This program will help more North Carolina families make ends meet and keep their energy costs affordable. I am pleased that Energy Saver NC is making homes healthier and more efficient and supporting local jobs across North Carolina.”
“Energy Saver NC will help Edgecombe Co. families who need it most save money on utility bills, make their homes healthier and more comfortable, reduce pollution emissions, and improve our air quality,” said DEQ Secretary Reid Wilson. “This vital program will improve North Carolinians’ lives on a daily basis, from efficient new electric appliances to installation of new heating and cooling systems.”
The program was launched in in January 2025 with $208 million from the U.S. Department of Energy.
How it works:
Energy Saver NC includes two pathways designed to help families make their homes more energy-efficient and drive down their utility bills:
- 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 such as heat pump water heaters and electric stoves.
Why it matters:
By helping eligible families improve their homes with energy-efficient upgrades, the program:
- Reduces monthly power bills.
- Makes homes resilient and improves home comfort and safety, especially during extreme weather.
- Strengthens the reliability of NC’s power grid by reducing energy demand and strain on the grid.
- Supports local jobs that keep investing in the community.
Launched to meet growing energy demands and rising costs, Energy Saver NC directly supports North Carolina’s focus on ensuring that energy supplies are affordable, reliable and clean.
Who is eligible?
Rebates are based on household income and projected energy savings. Rebates include:
- Full Rebates – Up to 100% of project costs covered by the rebate up to a certain amount. Available for single-family homeowners earning less than 80% of their Area Median Income (AMI) as determined by the United States Department of Housing and Urban Development.
- Partial Rebates – Up to 50% of project costs covered by the rebate up to a certain amount. Available for moderate-income homeowners earning between 80% and 150% of the AMI.
The rebate amount is paid to the contractor after the project is complete. Residents are only responsible for any remaining costs after rebate amounts are applied.
For example, a four-person household in Edgecombe County earning up to $63,300 may qualify for a full rebate. Both single-family homeowners and renters, with landlord approval, are eligible to apply.
For a breakdown of income eligibility, visit the AMI Income Summary.
Once income eligibility is confirmed, households applying for the HOMES program will receive a free home energy assessment. During the visit, a certified assessor will evaluate a home’s energy use and recommends improvements that will save families the most money.
All upgrades must be completed by an Energy Saver NC-approved contractor. Contractors are registered, licensed professionals specially trained in energy-efficiency installations. These partnerships not only ensure quality work but also create new business opportunities, local jobs, and economic growth within Edgecombe County.
After reviewing contractor quotes, households approve the projects and pricing with the rebate applied. Once the Energy Saver NC program team gives final approval, contractors complete the work, helping families start saving on their energy bills right away.To learn more about Energy Saver NC, visit energysavernc.org.