Nebraska Energy Rebates 2026
Nebraska homeowners in 2026 can access federal HEAR and HOMES rebates administered by the Nebraska Energy Office, plus utility programs from OPPD (Omaha Public Power District), LES (Lincoln Electric System), and other public power utilities. Nebraska is unique in that almost all its electricity is provided by publicly-owned utilities (not investor-owned), which often offer competitive efficiency programs. The 25C and 25D federal tax credits expired December 31, 2025.
HOMES Rebate Program in Nebraska
| 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 |
HOMES rebates are administered by the Nebraska Energy Office. Provides up to $4,000 for 20–35% whole-home energy savings and up to $8,000 for 35%+ savings. Income-qualified households (≤80% AMI) receive doubled amounts.
HEAR (HEEHRA) Rebates in Nebraska
| 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.
Nebraska State Incentive Programs
OPPD (Omaha Public Power District) Efficiency Programs
OPPD offers residential energy efficiency rebates for qualifying heat pump water heaters, smart thermostats, and other improvements for Omaha-area customers. As a public power utility, OPPD's programs are accountable to ratepayers. Check OPPD's current rebate catalog for amounts and qualifying equipment.
Learn moreNebraska Weatherization Assistance Program
Federally funded weatherization services for income-qualified Nebraska households (at or below 200% of federal poverty level). Delivered through Community Action Agencies. Nebraska's cold winters and hot summers create year-round energy burden that weatherization significantly reduces.
Learn moreArea Median Income (AMI) in Nebraska
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) |
|---|---|---|
| Omaha-Council Bluffs MSA | $74,320 | $139,350 |
| Lincoln MSA | $73,040 | $136,950 |
Frequently Asked Questions
What energy rebates are available in Nebraska in 2026?
Nebraska homeowners in 2026 can access: (1) Federal HEAR rebates for heat pumps (up to $8,000), heat pump water heaters ($1,750), insulation ($1,600), and electrical panels ($4,000) for income-qualified households (≤150% AMI); (2) HOMES whole-home performance rebates up to $8,000; (3) OPPD, LES, or rural co-op utility rebates; (4) Free weatherization for income-qualified households. The 25C and 25D federal tax credits expired December 31, 2025.
Are federal tax credits still available in Nebraska?
No. The One Big Beautiful Bill Act (OBBBA, P.L. 119-21, signed July 4, 2025) terminated the Section 25C and 25D federal energy tax credits for installations after December 31, 2025. For 2026 installations, HEAR and HOMES are the primary federal incentive paths.
Who administers HEAR and HOMES in Nebraska?
The Nebraska Energy Office administers both programs. Contact the Nebraska Energy Office or visit their website to find participating contractors and current program details. Your local public power utility (OPPD, LES, NPPD) may also offer complementary efficiency programs.
Are Nebraska public power utilities different from investor-owned utilities for rebates?
Nebraska's public power utilities (OPPD, LES, NPPD) are owned by ratepayers rather than shareholders, which generally means efficiency program funding decisions prioritize customer benefit. Each public utility sets its own rebate programs — check your specific utility's website for current programs. These utility rebates can be stacked with federal HEAR and HOMES incentives.
Are heat pumps efficient in Nebraska's continental climate?
Yes, with cold-climate models. Nebraska experiences both hot summers (90–100°F) and cold winters (-10°F in severe snaps). Modern cold-climate heat pumps handle this range efficiently, with backup heat activating only during extreme cold. A heat pump replaces both AC and furnace in one system. The combination of HEAR rebates (up to $8,000 for qualifying households) and OPPD/LES utility rebates makes heat pump upgrades financially attractive.
How to Claim Your Nebraska Rebates
