Lowering Costs for Working Class Families: The Home Electrification and Appliance Rebates (HEAR) Program

Posted on Apr 30, 2024 in Main

Hawai‘i is among the first four states to initiate the U.S. Depart­ment of Energy’s Home Energy Rebates programs – a historic $8.8 billion investment for energy-efficient home upgrades for single- and multifamily homes. The Hawai‘i State Energy Office administers the state’s $69 million allocation.

The HEAR program provides rebates for specific ENERGY STAR-certified residential electric heat pump appliances. It is only available to low- and moderate-income households earning less than 150% of the Area Median Income. Some rebates will be available as early as this summer. The Home Energvvy Rebate (HER or HOMES) program, to be launched toward the end of 2024, will incentivize whole-home efficiency retrofits. 

Thanks to these programs, Hawai‘i’s most vulnerable households will benefit from free or reduced-cost clean energy upgrades for their homes. At least half of the rebates will go to low-income households, defined as those earning 80 percent or less of their area median income, ensuring ample support and funding goes to communities that are in the most need.

“Save energy and save money—that’s exactly what the Home Energy Rebate programs are designed to do,” said U.S. Secretary of Energy Jennifer M. Granholm. “I am excited to announce that states across the country are getting closer to putting money in the hands of consumers to upgrade their homes with new, energy-efficient appliances and clean energy tools that will cut monthly utility costs.”

Through the rebates, households can save up to $14,000 on home upgrades. Potential savings include:
    •    Up to $8,000 off an ENERGY STAR-certified heat pump for space heating and cooling
    •    $4,000 off an electrical panel
    •    $2,500 off electrical wiring
    •    $1,750 off an ENERGY STAR-certified heat pump water heater
    •    $1,600 for insulation, air sealing, and mechanical ventilation products
    •    $840 for an ENERGY STAR-certified electric induction stove, cooktop, range, or oven

Follow https:energy.hawaii.gov for program updates.