Why Energy Saver North Carolina Was Created

Energy Saver North Carolina reduces the energy burden on NC families by upgrading inefficient homes with federally funded rebates—helping to enhance the comfort of homes, offset increasing power bills, improve safety during extreme weather, and ease strain on the power grid. Meanwhile, small businesses in the energy sector need support to grow and keep up with modern demands.

The North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality State Energy Office launched Energy Saver NC to address these issues head-on. It’s more than a rebate program. It’s a coordinated effort to make homes healthier and more efficient, strengthen our electric grid, support quality jobs, and build a future-ready energy economy that benefits everyone across the state.

A Strategic Investment in North Carolina’s People and Infrastructure

At its core, Energy Saver NC is about people—helping families, supporting communities, and securing North Carolina’s future by:

• Helping families lower their energy bills and live more comfortably
• Ensuring our power grid remains stable, even during heat waves and hurricanes, by reducing peak energy demand through home efficiency improvements
• Creating new opportunities for contractors, suppliers, and manufacturers right here in North Carolina

Designed for Statewide Impact

• Reduce delays and administrative burdens
• Ensure homeowners receive timely updates and quality service
• Allow contractors to spend more time on installations and less time navigating red tape

The Energy Saver North Carolina program is designed to serve North Carolinians who need assistance the most. Residents with high energy burdens, or who spend a large percentage of their income on energy costs, typically reside in rural North Carolina. That is why this program is intentionally structured to reach every corner of the state — including rural areas.

This commitment ensures all North Carolinians benefit from a stronger, more resilient energy system. By targeting high-burden areas and increasing economic opportunity for rural contractors and businesses, the program makes the energy system more efficient and less prone to blackouts or disruptions. This results in a more stable grid that benefits everyone.

Meeting High Standards and Protecting Public Funds

Energy Saver NC is subject to more than 180 federal and state requirements, all aimed at maintaining high standards of accountability and quality.

Each project undergoes:

• Independent assessments and inspections — Every contractor undergoes a thorough documentation and credential check, including validation of licenses, certifications, and insurance. Public reputation reviews and compliance with program standards are also evaluated before acceptance into the network.
• Rigorous invoice reviews and contractor vetting — Contractors must submit a range of verified documents including letters of good standing, W9s, proof of certifications, and participate in training. They are also subject to license validation through official state boards and are reviewed for compliance with ethical and quality standards.
• Ongoing quality control checks — Contractors’ performance is continuously tracked with reminders for license and certification renewals, periodic reviews, and spot checks to ensure high-quality workmanship and program integrity over time.

These safeguards protect taxpayers, maintain public trust, and help ensure the program is delivered responsibly.

Benefits for Everyone — Even Those Who Don’t Participate Directly

Energy Saver NC delivers value well beyond the individual homes that receive upgrades. While energy-efficient homes use less energy and save money for homeowners year-round, the benefits also accrue to all users of the electric grid in numerous ways.

During the hottest afternoons of summer and the coldest mornings of winter, electricity demand spikes as home energy systems work harder to stay comfortable. Meeting this demand requires utilities to activate expensive, often high-polluting backup power plants—facilities that sit idle most of the year but are costly to maintain.

Energy efficiency upgrades—such as improved insulation, tighter building envelopes, and high-efficiency HVAC systems—reduce the energy needed to heat and cool homes during these peak times. This can dramatically ease strain on the grid.

Looking Ahead

The program is beginning in areas with storm impacts, where rebuilding efforts present an opportunity to create safer, more energy-efficient homes from the ground up. As it grows, Energy Saver NC will expand to reach thousands more households across the state.

Though still early in its rollout, this initiative represents a long-term investment in North Carolina’s infrastructure, workforce, and communities.

Our Commitment

Energy Saver NC was built to make meaningful, lasting improvements — to individual lives, to local economies, and to the state’s overall resilience. It reflects a collaborative approach, guided by thoughtful planning, strong partnerships, and a clear goal: to create an energy system that serves all North Carolinians sustainably.

This is just the beginning. Together, we’re building a stronger, more sustainable energy future for North Carolina.

Learn more at energysavernc.org