By Shelly Garzon for WLOS.
Energy Saver NC, a statewide program designed to lower electric bills, is now available in all 100 North Carolina counties.
Gov. Josh Stein announced this week that eligible families could save hundreds each year through federally funded rebates aimed at improving home energy efficiency.
Recent low temperatures and winter storms have led to higher energy bills for families throughout North Carolina, including in the mountains. Local nonprofits say they continue to see a steady need for assistance.
“It’s been really cold this winter. We see a lot of people that come in that are on the verge of having their power disconnected,” Brian Hall, executive director of Eblen Charities, said.
Hall said the nonprofit, which serves families in crisis, regularly helps cover electric and water bills.
“The amount of clients that we have that need assistance with their electric bill or their water bill, it has ticked up slightly. Just as a point of reference, last year we helped approximately 600 families with utilities. The majority of that is with power bills, and those power bills average about $560,” he said.
The new billion-dollar federally funded program, known as Energy Saver NC, offers two primary rebate options for eligible households and is based on income and projected energy savings.
Full rebates cover up to 100% of project costs up to certain limits and are available to single-family homeowners or renters earning less than 80% of their area median income, as determined by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development.
Partial rebates cover up to 50% of project costs up to certain limits and are available to moderate-income homeowners or renters earning between 80% and 150% of the area median income. A breakdown of income eligibility is available through the AMI Income Summary.
In addition to whole-home rebate options of up to $16,000, state leaders say specific project caps include:
- $8,000 for a space heating and cooling heat pump
- $4,000 for an electric load service center, or electric panel
- $2,500 for electric wiring
- $1,750 for a heat pump water heater
- $1,600 for insulation, air sealing and ventilation
- $840 for a heat pump clothes dryer and/or electric stove, cooktop, range or oven
The rebate amount is paid directly to the contractor after the project is complete. Residents are responsible only for any remaining costs after rebate amounts are applied.
“It’s a win for families who participate, they get significant savings for upgrading their appliance and HVAC system, and then they save thousands of dollars on their utility bills over time. It’s a win for contractors. By funding these upgrades, we’re keeping them working and supporting roughly 2,300 jobs,” Gov. Josh Stein said.
According to the governor, families using the first type of rebate are projected to save on utility expenses.
“We project that families using the first type of rebate alone will save an average of one thousand dollars on an annual basis in utility expenses, and while we don’t yet have the numbers on the second type of rebate, we are sure that there will be additional savings for eligible homeowners,” Stein said.
State leaders say the benefits extend beyond individual households.
“These energy efficiency measures will make their homes more comfortable and healthier. We will be creating less air pollution and less carbon emissions, which means we will all be healthier. We will be creating less strain on our electric grid,” Reid Wilson, secretary of the North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality, said.
Once income eligibility is confirmed, households applying for rebates will receive a free home energy assessment. A certified assessor will evaluate the home’s energy use and recommend improvements expected to provide the most savings.
All upgrades must be completed by an Energy Saver NC-approved contractor. Contractors are registered and licensed professionals trained in energy-efficiency installations. State officials say the partnerships are intended to ensure quality work while also supporting local businesses, jobs and economic growth.
After reviewing contractor quotes, households approve the projects and pricing with the rebate applied. Once the Energy Saver NC program team gives final approval, contractors complete the work, allowing families to begin saving on their energy bills.
In western North Carolina, nonprofit leaders say lower utility bills could ease financial strain on families and community organizations alike.
“As we’ve seen coming out of Helene, nonprofits have really bared a lot of financial responsibility and time and effort. If there’s any way possible that this is going to be able to help lower those bills, boy, it’s a win-win for everybody,” Hall said.