Duke Energy Energy Rebates
Duke Energy is one of the largest electric power holding companies in the United States, serving approximately 8.2 million electricity customers across six states: North Carolina, South Carolina, Florida, Indiana, Ohio, and Kentucky. Duke Energy operates under several subsidiary names including Duke Energy Carolinas, Duke Energy Progress, Duke Energy Florida, and Duke Energy Indiana. The company's Residential Smart Saver rebate program provides incentives for heat pumps, smart thermostats, attic insulation, duct sealing, and other energy-efficient improvements. Rebate amounts and available programs vary by state and operating subsidiary, but the core Smart Saver program is available across most of Duke Energy's service territory. Duke Energy also offers free home energy assessments and income-qualified programs for eligible customers.
Quick Answer
Duke Energy's Smart Saver program offers rebates in 2026: up to $400 for a qualifying heat pump, $350 for a heat pump water heater, $400 for attic insulation, $300 for duct sealing, and $75 for a smart thermostat. Income-qualified Duke Energy customers can also stack these with federal HEAR rebates (up to $8,000 for heat pumps at ≤150% AMI) and the HOMES program (up to $8,000 for whole-home performance upgrades). Note: The 25C and 25D federal tax credits both expired December 31, 2025.
Service area: North Carolina (Charlotte, Raleigh, Durham, Greensboro), South Carolina (Greenville, Anderson, upstate), Florida (central Florida including St. Petersburg), Indiana (Indianapolis, Bloomington, southern Indiana), Ohio (Cincinnati metro), and Kentucky (northern Kentucky)
Smart Saver Residential Rebate Program
Duke Energy's Smart Saver program is the primary residential rebate offering available across all Duke Energy service territories. The program incentivizes upgrades to high-efficiency HVAC systems, water heaters, insulation, and smart home technologies. Rebate amounts vary by state and equipment type. All rebates require the equipment to be installed at a Duke Energy-served residential address by a licensed contractor.
| Equipment | Rebate Amount | Details |
|---|---|---|
| Heat Pump (HVAC) | Up to $400 | ENERGY STAR certified air source heat pump rated 15 SEER2 or higher. Ducted and ductless mini-split systems qualify. Replaces existing HVAC system. |
| Smart Thermostat | $75 | ENERGY STAR certified Wi-Fi smart thermostat. Must be connected to a central heating or cooling system. One rebate per Duke Energy account. |
| Attic Insulation | Up to $400 | Attic insulation upgrade to minimum R-38. Must be installed by a participating contractor. Rebate based on existing insulation level and square footage. |
| Duct Sealing | Up to $300 | Professional duct testing and sealing to reduce duct leakage. Must be performed by a participating HVAC contractor with measured results. |
| Heat Pump Water Heater | Up to $350 | ENERGY STAR certified heat pump water heater with UEF 2.0 or higher. Must replace an existing electric resistance water heater. |
Home Energy House Call
Duke Energy offers a free or low-cost Home Energy House Call program where an energy specialist visits your home, conducts a comprehensive energy assessment, and installs free energy-saving measures on the spot. The program helps customers identify the highest-impact upgrades and understand which rebates they qualify for.
| Equipment | Rebate Amount | Details |
|---|---|---|
| Home Energy Assessment | Free | In-home energy audit by a certified Duke Energy energy specialist. Includes blower door test, visual inspection of insulation, and duct assessment. |
| Free LED Bulbs | Free (up to 15 bulbs) | ENERGY STAR LED bulbs installed throughout the home during the House Call visit at no charge. |
| Free Water-Saving Devices | Free | Low-flow showerheads and faucet aerators installed during the visit to reduce hot water energy use. |
| Smart Power Strip | Free | One advanced power strip installed during the House Call to reduce phantom loads from electronics. |
Income-Qualified Assistance Programs
Duke Energy administers several assistance programs for lower-income customers, in addition to the Smart Saver rebates. These programs can complement federal HEAR and HOMES rebates for households that qualify based on income.
| Equipment | Rebate Amount | Details |
|---|---|---|
| Share the Warmth / Neighbor to Neighbor | Varies | Bill assistance programs for income-eligible customers. Eligibility typically based on 200% of federal poverty level or below. |
| Weatherization Assistance | Varies | In coordination with state weatherization programs, Duke Energy may co-fund weatherization upgrades for qualifying low-income households including insulation, air sealing, and HVAC tune-ups. |
| EnergyWise Home Program | Up to $500 (varies by state) | Enhanced rebates available in some Duke Energy service territories for income-qualified customers making energy efficiency upgrades. |
How to Apply for Duke Energy Rebates
Here is how to apply for Duke Energy Smart Saver residential rebates:
- Identify your Duke Energy operating company: Duke Energy operates under different subsidiary names in different states (Duke Energy Carolinas, Duke Energy Progress, Duke Energy Florida, Duke Energy Indiana). Check your bill to identify your specific operating company, as rebate amounts may vary.
- Schedule a free Home Energy House Call: This is the recommended first step. Call 1-866-233-2290 or visit duke-energy.com/rebates to schedule a free home energy assessment. The specialist will install free energy-saving measures and provide a personalized upgrade plan.
- Choose qualifying equipment: Select ENERGY STAR certified equipment that meets Duke Energy's Smart Saver program requirements. Check the specific efficiency requirements for your state and operating company on the Duke Energy website.
- Hire a participating contractor: Duke Energy maintains a network of participating trade ally contractors who are trained in program requirements. Using a participating contractor ensures your equipment qualifies and may streamline the rebate process.
- Complete installation: Have the equipment installed and ensure all permits are obtained as required by your local jurisdiction. Keep all receipts, invoices, and equipment documentation.
- Submit your rebate application: Complete the Smart Saver rebate application online at duke-energy.com/rebates. Upload your invoice, proof of purchase, and contractor information. Paper applications are also available.
- Receive your rebate: Duke Energy typically processes Smart Saver rebates within 6 to 8 weeks. Payment is issued as a check mailed to your address or as a credit on your Duke Energy bill.
Stacking with Federal Rebates
Utility rebates from Duke Energy can typically be combined with HOMES and HEAR federal rebates (if available in your state). This means you could potentially receive both a utility rebate and a federal rebate for the same improvement. Use our calculator to estimate your total savings.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do Duke Energy rebate amounts differ by state?
Yes. Duke Energy operates across six states, and rebate amounts can vary by state and by operating subsidiary (Duke Energy Carolinas vs. Duke Energy Progress, for example). The core Smart Saver program structure is similar everywhere, but specific dollar amounts, eligible equipment lists, and program caps may differ. Always check your specific state and operating company on the Duke Energy website for accurate rebate amounts.
Can I combine Duke Energy rebates with federal IRA rebate programs?
Yes. Duke Energy Smart Saver rebates can be combined with federal Inflation Reduction Act rebate programs. The HEAR (High-Efficiency Electric Home Rebate Act) program offers up to $8,000 for qualifying heat pumps for income-eligible households (at or below 150% AMI), and the HOMES program provides up to $8,000 for whole-home energy performance upgrades. Important: The 25C Energy Efficient Home Improvement Tax Credit and the 25D Residential Clean Energy Credit both expired on December 31, 2025 under the One Big Beautiful Bill Act (OBBBA) and are not available for 2026 installations. Stacking Duke Energy utility rebates with HEAR or HOMES federal rebates can significantly reduce your net cost.
Is the Home Energy House Call really free?
Yes, Duke Energy's Home Energy House Call is free for residential customers in most service territories. During the visit, a certified energy specialist conducts a thorough assessment of your home and installs free energy-saving measures including LED bulbs, smart power strips, low-flow showerheads, and faucet aerators. The free products installed during the visit are typically worth $50-$100 combined. There is no obligation to purchase additional upgrades after the House Call.
Does Duke Energy provide natural gas service?
Duke Energy primarily provides electric service. In a few areas, Duke Energy also provides natural gas (particularly in Indiana and parts of Ohio and Kentucky through Duke Energy Indiana and Duke Energy Ohio). However, in the Carolinas and Florida, natural gas is typically provided by a separate utility such as Piedmont Natural Gas or PSNC Energy. Check your bill to determine if Duke Energy provides gas service at your address, and contact your gas utility separately for gas equipment rebates.
What is the best Duke Energy rebate to get in 2026?
For most households, a heat pump upgrade offers the highest combined value. Duke Energy's Smart Saver heat pump rebate (up to $400) can be stacked with federal HEAR rebates (up to $8,000 for income-qualified households at or below 150% AMI). Adding insulation to the same project unlocks an additional $400 utility rebate plus HEAR coverage up to $1,600 for insulation. The free Home Energy House Call is the best starting point — schedule it before any upgrades to ensure you identify all available incentives.