Rhode Island Energy Rebates 2026
Rhode Island's federal home energy rebates are administered by Rhode Island Office of Energy Resources (OER), and as of July 2026 they are only partly available. Rhode Island launched the HEAR income-eligible pathway on 17 September 2024, with a moderate-income pathway announced for 2026. The Home Efficiency Rebates program has not launched. The utility and weatherization programs listed further down this page are available today. The 25C and 25D federal tax credits expired December 31, 2025.
Program status and income limits on this page were last checked against official state and federal sources on . These programs change without notice.
HOMES Rebate Program in Rhode Island
| 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 |
Rhode Island launched the HEAR income-eligible pathway on 17 September 2024, with a moderate-income pathway announced for 2026. The Home Efficiency Rebates program has not launched. “The HEAR application was approved and OER launched the income-eligible program pathway September 17th, 2024.” Source: Rhode Island Office of Energy Resources (OER).
Official HOMES Program PageHEAR (HEEHRA) Rebates in Rhode Island
| 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.
Official HEAR Program PageFind Pre-Screened Installers in Rhode Island
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Rhode Island State Incentive Programs
Clean Heat RI (state-funded via RGGI)
Rhode Island's Clean Heat RI program provides income-eligible homeowners with deep rebates for switching from oil, propane, or natural gas to heat pumps. Covers 60% of the heat pump system and installation cost, up to $11,500 per installation, with a $18,000 lifetime cap per property. Available for households at or below 150% of State Median Income. Requires completion of weatherization and installation by a Clean Heat RI HPIN network contractor.
Learn moreRhode Island Office of Energy Resources Programs
The Rhode Island OER administers multiple state energy programs including EmPower RI (for income-qualified households) and coordinates federal HEAR and HOMES rebates. EmPower RI provides free or heavily discounted efficiency improvements for low-income households, including heat pumps, weatherization, and electrical upgrades.
Learn moreUtility Rebate Programs in Rhode Island
Rhode Island Energy (formerly National Grid)
Most of Rhode Island, electric and gas service
Area Median Income (AMI) in Rhode Island
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) |
|---|---|---|
| Providence County | $89,700 | $168,100 |
| Washington County | $103,200 | $193,500 |
Eligibility is set by county and household size. The 80% figures are the HUD FY2026 income limits published for each county and are reproduced as-is. HUD does not publish a 150% limit, so that column is computed from the 80% limit; checked against Minnesota's official 2026 county table, the method lands within $200 on every county, but where your state publishes its own table, that table governs. Figures are for a 4-person household and change with household size.
Use Our Calculator to Check EligibilityBefore you spend money on this
Energy Rebate Calculator is an independent website. It is not affiliated with, endorsed by, or operated by the U.S. Department of Energy, Rhode Island, or any other government agency, and nothing on this page is an offer, an application, or a promise of payment.
Federal and state rebate programs launch, pause, change their amounts and run out of funds without notice, and eligibility rules differ by county, household size, housing type and sometimes by region within a state. Most programs also refuse to pay for work completed before their launch date. Figures here are published to help you understand roughly where you stand, not to be relied on as the final word.
Confirm your eligibility and the current terms directly with the administering agency, and get written confirmation, before you sign a contract or buy equipment. Where this page cites an official source, that source governs. If you spot something out of date on this page, tell us and we will correct it.
Data vintage. The rebate data on this page was last updated on . We publish this date so you can judge for yourself how current the figures are.
Frequently Asked Questions
What energy rebates are available in Rhode Island in 2026?
Rhode Island Energy utility rebates: up to $625 per ton for a standard heat pump installation, central or mini-split, with no ducted and non-ducted split; $1,500 per ton under the Enhanced Rebate when replacing electric baseboard heating; and up to $625 for a qualifying heat pump water heater.
Are federal tax credits still available in Rhode Island?
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. If you installed qualifying equipment before that date, you can still claim the credit on your 2025 tax return. For 2026 installations, HEAR, HOMES, and Rhode Island Energy programs are the primary incentive paths.
Why are efficiency upgrades especially valuable in Rhode Island?
Rhode Island has some of the highest electricity rates in the continental US (~22¢/kWh). This means every kWh saved through efficiency is worth more in Rhode Island than in most states. A heat pump replacing electric resistance heat provides 2–4x efficiency gains, at 22¢/kWh, that translates to substantial annual savings. The combination of high electricity costs and available HEAR + Rhode Island Energy + Clean Heat RI rebates creates a compelling ROI for most efficiency upgrades.
What is EmPower RI?
EmPower RI is Rhode Island's income-qualified efficiency program, providing free or heavily subsidized efficiency improvements for low-income households. Eligible households (typically at or below 60% of state median income) can receive free weatherization, heat pump installations, LED lighting, and other upgrades at no cost. EmPower RI can be coordinated with federal HEAR rebates for even greater coverage.
Can Rhode Island homeowners stack Rhode Island Energy rebates with HEAR?
Yes. Rhode Island Energy utility rebates can typically be combined with federal HEAR and HOMES rebates. For heat pump projects, stacking Rhode Island Energy rebates with HEAR (up to $8,000 for income-qualifying households) maximizes total incentives. Contact Rhode Island Energy or a participating contractor to coordinate both programs efficiently.
What does Rhode Island Energy offer for heat pump rebates in 2026?
Rhode Island Energy pays up to $625 per ton for standard heat pumps, with no ducted or non-ducted tiers. Baseboard replacements qualify for the Enhanced Rebate at $1,500 per ton. A typical 3-ton system therefore yields about $1,875 at the standard rate, or $4,500 at the enhanced rate.
How does Rhode Island Energy's rebate application process work?
For standard rebates, hire a licensed HVAC contractor, install qualifying equipment, and submit the rebate form at rienergy.com within 90 days of installation. Enhanced rebates require additional steps: schedule a free EnergyWise Home Energy Assessment (888-633-7947), complete any recommended weatherization work, and use a program-approved contractor. Rhode Island Energy then conducts a Quality Control inspection before issuing the enhanced payment. Allow 8–10 weeks for processing. Rhode Island's ~22¢/kWh electricity rate makes heat pump efficiency gains especially valuable compared to most US states.
Can I stack Rhode Island Energy rebates with Clean Heat RI and federal HEAR rebates?
A homeowner switching from oil to a 3-ton heat pump could combine about $1,875 from Rhode Island Energy's standard rebate with up to $11,500 from Clean Heat RI if income-eligible. For water heaters, the Rhode Island Energy rebate of up to $625 stacks with the flat $2,500 from Clean Heat RI, reaching about $3,125 combined.
How to Claim Your Rhode Island Rebates
