Washington Energy Rebates 2026
Washington State residents benefit from some of the lowest electricity rates in the nation — around 10¢/kWh thanks to abundant hydropower — while also having access to active HEAR and HOMES rebates administered by the Washington State Department of Commerce. Puget Sound Energy serves the King County area and most of western Washington, Seattle City Light serves Seattle, and PacifiCorp (Rocky Mountain Power) covers eastern Washington. Washington's Clean Buildings Performance Standard adds a progressive compliance framework for larger buildings.
HOMES Rebate Program in Washington
| 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 |
Washington HOMES rebates are administered by the WA Department of Commerce. Households at or below 80% AMI can receive up to $8,000 for qualifying whole-home retrofits, while moderate-income households (80–150% AMI) may receive up to $4,000. Given Washington's mild climate and hydropower electricity, heating system upgrades and building envelope improvements provide the strongest energy savings.
HEAR (HEEHRA) Rebates in Washington
| 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.
Washington State Incentive Programs
Washington Weatherization Plus Health Program
State program combining energy weatherization with health and safety improvements for low-income Washington households, addressing both energy efficiency and indoor air quality through a coordinated upgrade approach.
Learn moreWA Clean Buildings Performance Standard
Washington's building performance law requiring larger commercial and multifamily buildings to meet energy use intensity targets — an important context for landlords and building owners alongside residential HEAR/HOMES programs.
Learn morePuget Sound Energy Home Energy Efficiency
PSE offers rebates for heat pumps, ductless mini-splits, smart thermostats, insulation, and home energy audits for residential customers in King, Pierce, Thurston, and surrounding counties.
Learn moreArea Median Income (AMI) in Washington
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) |
|---|---|---|
| Seattle-Bellevue-Kent (King County) MSA | $108,000 | $202,500 |
| Spokane-Spokane Valley MSA | $62,400 | $117,000 |
| Tacoma-Lakewood MSA | $84,000 | $157,500 |
Frequently Asked Questions
What energy rebates are available in Washington State in 2026?
Washington residents in 2026 can access federal HEAR rebates (up to $14,000 for heat pump systems, water heaters, and electric appliances) and HOMES rebates (up to $8,000 for whole-home energy improvements), administered by the WA Department of Commerce. Puget Sound Energy offers additional utility rebates for heat pumps, mini-splits, insulation, and smart thermostats. Seattle City Light has its own efficiency programs for Seattle residents. The state's Weatherization Plus Health program also provides free upgrades for income-eligible households.
Are federal tax credits still available in Washington State?
No. The One Big Beautiful Bill Act (P.L. 119-21, signed July 4, 2025) ended Section 25C and 25D federal energy tax credits for installations after December 31, 2025. Washington residents who completed qualifying upgrades — heat pumps, insulation, solar, battery storage, geothermal — before December 31, 2025 can claim those credits on their 2025 tax return. For 2026, HEAR and HOMES rebates plus utility programs are the primary incentives available.
Does Washington's low electricity rate affect the economics of heat pumps?
Washington's electricity rate of roughly 10¢/kWh — one of the lowest in the nation thanks to hydropower — means the economic case for heat pumps differs somewhat from other states. Heat pumps replace natural gas heating most effectively when gas prices are high relative to electricity; in Washington, gas heating costs may be more competitive than in high-electricity-rate states. However, heat pumps still make sense for homes on oil or propane heat, and electric resistance heating, which is common in Washington. HEAR rebates of up to $8,000 for heat pump HVAC significantly improve the financial case.
What are the income limits for HEAR and HOMES rebates in Washington?
Washington HEAR rebates are available to households earning up to 150% of the Area Median Income (AMI). In the Seattle-Bellevue area, 80% AMI for a 4-person household is approximately $108,000 — reflecting the region's very high cost of living. In Spokane, 80% AMI is about $62,400. These income thresholds mean that many more households in Seattle may not qualify for the highest HEAR tiers, while in eastern Washington a larger share of residents will qualify for maximum rebate amounts.
Does Washington State have its own energy tax credits or rebates beyond HEAR and HOMES?
Washington State does not have a personal income tax, so there are no state energy tax credits. However, Washington exempts qualifying clean energy equipment from state sales tax, which can provide meaningful savings on a solar or heat pump installation. Puget Sound Energy, Seattle City Light, and other utilities offer utility-funded rebates independent of the federal programs. The WA Clean Buildings Performance Standard creates market demand for efficiency upgrades, and the Weatherization Plus Health program provides free services for lower-income households.
How to Claim Your Washington Rebates
