Connecticut Energy Rebates 2026
Connecticut offers some of the most generous energy rebate programs in New England in 2026, with HEAR and HOMES administered by the Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (DEEP) and the CT Green Bank. Eversource serves most of the state and administers the well-funded Energize CT program; United Illuminating covers the New Haven and Bridgeport areas. Connecticut's high electricity rates — among the highest in the nation — make heat pump and efficiency upgrades particularly valuable here.
HOMES Rebate Program in Connecticut
| Income Level | Max Rebate | Cost Coverage |
|---|---|---|
| Low income (≤80% AMI) | Up to $8,000 | 80% of project cost |
| Moderate income (80-150% AMI) | Up to $4,000 | 50% of project cost |
| Above 150% AMI | Not eligible | N/A |
Connecticut HOMES rebates are administered through CT DEEP and the CT Green Bank. Households at or below 80% AMI qualify for up to $8,000 for whole-home energy retrofits; moderate-income households (80–150% AMI) may receive up to $4,000. Connecticut's high electricity rates mean that efficiency improvements generate exceptional savings, strengthening the financial case for upgrades.
HEAR (HEEHRA) Rebates in Connecticut
| Equipment | Max Rebate |
|---|---|
| Heat Pump HVAC | Up to $8,000 |
| Electrical Panel | Up to $4,000 |
| Wiring Upgrade | Up to $2,500 |
| Heat Pump Water Heater | Up to $1,750 |
| Insulation & Weatherization | Up to $1,600 |
| Electric Stove/Cooktop | Up to $840 |
Maximum total: $14,000 per household (low-income, ≤80% AMI). Moderate income (80-150% AMI) can receive up to $7,000.
Connecticut State Incentive Programs
Energize CT (Eversource Heat Pump Rebates)
Connecticut's flagship energy efficiency program co-administered by Eversource and UI, offering excellent rebates for cold-climate heat pumps, heat pump water heaters, smart thermostats, insulation, and home energy audits.
Learn moreCT Green Bank Residential Financing
The CT Green Bank provides low-interest green loans and financing for Connecticut homeowners to fund heat pumps, solar, insulation, and other energy upgrades — can be combined with HEAR and HOMES rebates to reduce out-of-pocket costs.
Learn moreConnecticut Weatherization Assistance Program
State-administered federal WAP providing free weatherization services — air sealing, insulation, heating system repairs — for income-eligible Connecticut households through local community action agencies.
Learn moreUtility Rebate Programs in Connecticut
Area Median Income (AMI) in Connecticut
HOMES and HEAR rebate amounts depend on your household income relative to the Area Median Income in your area. AMI varies by county and household size.
| Area | 80% AMI (Family of 4) | 150% AMI (Family of 4) |
|---|---|---|
| Hartford-East Hartford MSA | $79,200 | $148,500 |
| Bridgeport-Stamford-Norwalk MSA (Fairfield County) | $108,000 | $202,500 |
| New Haven-Milford MSA | $80,800 | $151,500 |
Frequently Asked Questions
What energy rebates are available in Connecticut in 2026?
Connecticut residents in 2026 can access HEAR rebates (up to $14,000 for heat pump HVAC, water heaters, electric appliances) and HOMES rebates (up to $8,000 for whole-home energy savings), administered by CT DEEP and the CT Green Bank. The Energize CT program — co-run by Eversource and United Illuminating — offers additional utility rebates for cold-climate heat pumps, insulation, and smart thermostats. CT Green Bank provides low-interest green loans to finance projects. Connecticut's extremely high electricity rates (~26¢/kWh) make efficiency upgrades among the most financially rewarding in the nation.
Are federal tax credits still available in Connecticut?
No. The One Big Beautiful Bill Act (P.L. 119-21, signed July 4, 2025) ended Section 25C and 25D federal tax credits for installations after December 31, 2025. Connecticut homeowners who completed qualifying upgrades before January 1, 2026 can still claim those credits on their 2025 return. For 2026, HEAR and HOMES federal rebates combined with Energize CT utility rebates are the primary incentives available. Connecticut also has a state sales tax exemption for certain energy-efficient equipment.
How does Energize CT work with HEAR and HOMES in Connecticut?
Energize CT is Connecticut's premier efficiency program, jointly administered by Eversource and United Illuminating. It offers rebates for cold-climate heat pumps (up to several thousand dollars depending on capacity), heat pump water heaters, smart thermostats, and insulation — and these rebates can be stacked with HEAR and HOMES federal rebates. For example, a Connecticut household installing a cold-climate heat pump might receive a HEAR rebate of up to $8,000 plus an Energize CT rebate, dramatically reducing the net cost. Visit energizect.com to see current rebate amounts and find participating contractors.
What are the income limits for HEAR rebates in Connecticut?
Connecticut HEAR rebates target households earning up to 150% of Area Median Income (AMI). In Fairfield County (Bridgeport-Stamford area), 80% AMI for a 4-person household is approximately $108,000 — reflecting one of the highest-cost-of-living counties in the US. In the Hartford area, 80% AMI is about $79,200. Many Connecticut households that might not qualify in lower-AMI states will qualify here, making HEAR access broader than in other regions.
Does the CT Green Bank help finance energy upgrades in Connecticut?
Yes. The CT Green Bank offers low-interest residential green loans that can finance heat pump HVAC systems, heat pump water heaters, solar (if installed after December 31, 2025 without the 25D credit), insulation, and other energy improvements. Green Bank financing can be combined with HEAR and HOMES rebates — you apply the rebate as a down payment and finance the remainder at favorable rates. Loan terms vary but often feature rates competitive with or better than home equity lines. Visit ctgreenbank.com to apply or find a participating lender.