Home Electrification and Appliance Rebates Program

Home Energy Rebates Program Solicitation of Written Comment

The NHDOE is requesting written comment from residential contractors and retailers on topics and program design elements that the Department should consider as it continues to develop both the Home Efficiency Rebates Program and the Home Electrification and Appliance Rebates Program. View the solicitation below for more information.

• Home Energy Rebates Solicitation of Written Comment

Home Electrification and Appliance Rebates Program Information

This rebate program was created as part of the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA). The IRA offers $4.275 billion in formula grants to states to reduce the upfront cost of efficiency electric technologies in single-family and multi-family homes. Under this program, the New Hampshire Department of Energy (NHDOE) is slated to receive $34,749,580 through September 2031. 

The Home Electrification and Appliance Rebates Program is designed to help homeowners seeking to replace their existing home appliances with more efficient electric appliances by offering rebates to reduce the cost of those new appliances. 

Currently, the Home Electrification and Appliance Rebates Program funding is not available to NH consumers. NHDOE is hiring new staff to oversee this program and to apply for the state’s formula allocation. NHDOE reiterates to consumers that federal guidance remains fluid, and they should be cautious about undertaking projects before NHDOE has applied for funding and established its program. 

Please note that the Electrification and Appliance Rebates Program is not available retroactively to consumers. Rebates will only be available for projects initiated by consumers after NHDOE has opened the program.

Rebate amounts are as follows:

• Heat pump hot water heater: $1,750
• Heat pump for space heating and cooling: $8,000
• Electric stove, cooktop, range, or oven: $840
• Heat pump clothes dryer: $840
   
• Electric load service center upgrade: $4,000
• Insulation, air sealing, and ventilation: $1,600
• Electrical wiring: $2,500
• Installation: $500 and is commensurate with scale of upgrades installed

Combined rebate amounts are capped at $14,000 total.

Rebates are only available to those making up to 150% of area median income. 

Rebates are capped 50% of the project cost for those earning between 80% and 150% of area median income subject to the caps listed above.

Those making less than 80% of area median income are eligible for the rebates up to 100% of the project cost, subject to the caps listed above.
 

FAQs:

Has NH DOE applied for the federal funds for this program?
YES. The Department filed an application with US DOE on March 26, 2024 for these funds.

What happens next?
NH DOE will continue to work with US DOE to refine the program, ensuring that it meets all of the federal requirements. Once that process is completed a finalized application will be reviewed in depth by US DOE. We expect this process to take several months.

Does this mean I can get a rebate soon?
While NH DOE is working diligently to set up this program, there are still many steps that must be taken in order to get a program like this up and running, including contracting with an implementor. NH DOE anticipates that rebates will not be available until late Fall 2024 at the earliest. 

How can I get a rebate? 
This will depend on a variety of factors, but foremost in NHDOE’s consideration for program design is to make this process as easy and seamless as possible for residents to access. Further information will be posted here as it becomes available.

Can I get a rebate for work already done? 
No. Per the USDOE’s Program Requirements & Application Instructions, Version 1.1, “A rebate may be paid only for a qualified electrification project initiated after the State received authorization for (US)DOE for rebate program launch.” See pages 49-50 for more information. USDOE reiterated that rebates are not available retroactively in additional updates issued in November 2023.

How is “Low Moderate Income” defined? 
“Low Moderate Income” is defined as 80% of area median income.

How do I find area median income for my area?
USDOE has not identified which version of area median income (AMI) they will require (metro area vs statewide, etc.) For reference, the 80% of statewide area median income for a family of 4 is $91,500. 150% of statewide area median income is roughly $182,000. As additional information is provided by USDOE of how to determine AMI, this section will be updated. 

Where can I see USDOE’s latest Home Electrification and Appliance Rebates Program updates?
Consumers are encouraged to visit USDOE’s Home Energy Rebates Program webpage. NHDOE will strive to keep this website revised with the latest information. Consumers can also access USDOE’s FAQ webpage.

What other federal incentives may be available to consumers in New Hampshire?
USDOE set up a platform called the Energy Consumer Savings Hub. This Hub details the federal incentives available for consumer appliances, electric vehicles, and various home improvements. Please note that NHDOE does not provide advice or guidance on federal tax credits. Consumers are strongly advised to consult with a qualified tax professional.

Webpage Last Updated: 04/17/2024.