Eligible Maine Households Can Use the Federal Home Energy Rebate Programs to Save Energy, Save Money on Energy-Efficient Upgrades, and Lower Housing Costs

PORTLAND, MAINE— As part of President Biden’s Investing in America agenda, the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) announced today that Maine has launched its first federal Home Energy Rebates program, supported by the Inflation Reduction Act. Maine is launching the Home Electrification and Appliance Rebates (HEAR) portion of the rebate program—enabling savings on energy efficiency improvements.

Maine’s launch is part of the Biden-Harris Administration’s nationwide initiative to provide $8.8 billion in Federal funding for states, territories, and Tribes to lower energy costs and increase efficiency in American homes by making it cheaper to install cost-saving measures such as heat pumps, electrical panels, and insulation. These energy-saving measures will save American households up to $1 billion annually in energy costs and support an estimated 50,000 U.S. jobs in residential construction, manufacturing, and other sectors. These investments also advance the President’s Justice40 Initiative.

“Maine has been a national leader in providing its residents with rebates to upgrade home heating and cooling systems to energy-efficient heat pumps,” said U.S. Secretary of Energy Jennifer M. Granholm. “DOE is proud to provide this funding through the Inflation Reduction Act to give even more Mainers opportunities to enjoy an energy efficient home.”

“Home energy rebates for clean and energy-efficient appliances and upgrades are good for the planet because they help cut pollution, but more importantly, they are good for Mainers because they will save money by lowering energy bills,” said John Podesta, Senior Advisor to the President for International Climate Policy. “Congratulations to Maine for making these game-changing Inflation Reduction Act incentives available to their residents.”

“Our transition to heat pumps is creating good-paying jobs, curbing our reliance on fossil fuels, and cutting costs for Maine families,” said Maine Governor Janet Mills. “We are setting an example for the nation."

“Maine people are all too familiar with bitter cold temperatures," said U.S. Senator Angus King. "With winter right around the corner, this $36 million grant...is an investment in reliable clean energy solutions that will keep folks warm."

“Maine’s leadership in energy efficiency is paving the way for a more sustainable future," said U.S Representative Chellie Pingree (ME-01). "The launch of Maine’s Home Energy Rebate Program is a major step forward."

Many Americans spend a large portion of their monthly income on home utilities. To advance rebate programs' objectives DOE requires states allocate at least half of rebates to low-income households defined as those earning 80% or less of area median income benefiting many disadvantaged communities.

Maine's HEAR program — one of two Federal Home Energy Rebate programs — will be overseen by Efficiency Maine offering robust incentives on heat pumps among other upgrades addressing targeted areas.

Available now: Efficiency Maine offers rebates including:

- Low-income owners of manufactured homes.

- Affordable multifamily new construction projects.

Eligible owners could save up $14k thanks HEAR funding including:

- $8k for whole-home heat pump.

- $4k electrical panel.

- $2.5k electrical wiring.

Multifamily projects can get up $8k per unit qualifying if 50% occupied low-income households.

Later: After first year plans expand manufactured home incentives include moderate-income owners (80%-150% area median income). Smaller new construction multifamily projects apply rebates.

Other Mainers interested rebates visit Efficiency Maine website existing programs.

“This funding enables continued progress reducing household bills creating jobs supporting businesses while cutting emissions,” said Dan Burgess Director Governor's Energy Office aiming 275k installed heat pumps by 2027 thanking DOE support.”

A second program under Home Efficiency Rebates saving money retrofit measures reducing whole-building consumption launches later.

Maine most heating oil-dependent state over 56% reliant compared nationally only 4%. Recent data shows 10% decrease coinciding leading adoption heat pumps.

For more information visit Efficiency Maine website

More States Get Ready

DOE continues receiving approving applications launching programs awarding over $1.8 billion implementing received full applications from 27 awarded full funding launch one both rebate programs from 14 states expected become available several helping families save with upgrades check status at www.energy.gov/save/rebates

For more information visit www.energy.gov/save

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