FAQ

General Questions

How much funding will be available?

The Electric Leaf Blower Rebate program will launch with an initial $250,000.00 of funding. 

Who is eligible to apply for an electric leaf blower rebate?

Rhode Island landscaping businesses who operate in Rhode Island are eligible to apply for the electric leaf blower rebate. Residents, non-profit organizations, and government entities are not eligible for rebates.

Is the rebate available to individuals or just businesses?

Residents, non-profit organizations, and government entities are not eligible for rebates.

What are eligible costs for the Electric Leaf Blower Rebate program?

The cost of purchasing a handheld or backpack electric leaf blower and related batteries are eligible costs for the electric leaf blower rebate. Limit of two additional (2) batteries per leaf blower.

What are ineligible costs for the Electric Leaf Blower Rebate program?

Lawn mowers, string trimmers, and any other landscape equipment or accessories that are not leaf blowers are not eligible. In addition, the cost of any additional batteries beyond the limit of two for each leaf blower is not eligible.

How many batteries does my rebate cover? 

Two batteries in addition to any batteries included with the electric leaf blower are eligible to count towards the total costs. However, proof of battery purchase must be submitted within the initial application.

How do businesses qualify for the additional high asthma rate rebate?

Qualified businesses may be eligible for an additional $250.00 rebate if located these municipalities with the highest asthma rates, as defined by the Rhode Island Department of Health:

• Central Falls
• Pawtucket
• Providence
• Westerly
• Woonsocket

Is there a limit to how many rebates one landscaping business can receive?

There is a limit of two rebates per eligible business for the program lifetime.

How many rebates will this rebate program be able to cover?

The Electric Leaf Blower Rebate program will begin with an initial funding infusion of $250,000.00. The program estimates that this amount will be able to provide rebates for at least 240 electric leaf blowers. The total count of rebates may be lower if there is a high volume of rebates for two (2) electric leaf blowers.

What if an applicant purchased an electric leaf blower prior to the program start date?

Only eligible leaf blowers purchased on, or after, the Electric Leaf Blower Rebate program start date (11/21/2024) are eligible to apply for an incentive. There will be no retroactive rebates for prior purchases.

How to dispose of old gas-powered leaf blowers? 

Be sure to drain liquids before disposing of your gas-powered leaf blower. To learn where and how to dispose of your old gas-powered leaf blower please visit: https://atoz.rirrc.org/items/leaf-blowers. 

Application Questions

How do businesses apply for the rebate?

Applications for the Electric Leaf Blower Rebate program are available at electrifylawns.ri.gov.

How does the Eletric Leaf Blower Rebate program application process work?

After purchasing an eligible electric leaf blower, please visit electrifylawns.ri.gov to submit an application and upload supporting documentation. You must submit an application and upload supporting documents within 120 days of the purchase date of the leaf blower. The program administrator will contact you via email with status updates or requests for additional information.

We are able to assist applicants through the application process if you don't have access to a computer. Please reach out to the program administrator at (401)-903-2499 to begin the process.

What if I cannot apply online?

If you are unable to apply for your rebate through the online portal, please call the program administration at ‪(401) 903-2499. 

How long does it take to process the application?

If approved, OER will award the appropriate rebate amount directly to the applicant in a single payment, by check, within four to six (4-6) weeks from the date of final approval. Processing times may vary.

Is there a deadline to apply for the rebate?

This rebate program is funded with a limited $250,000 allocation. Funds are awarded on a first-come, first-served basis, and rebates are not guaranteed. To maximize your chance of receiving a rebate, it is critical to submit your application and all required documentation immediately after purchasing eligible

The online application portal will close at 11:59 PM on June 30, 2025. All applications and required backup paperwork must be submitted by this date to be eligible for reimbursement—no exceptions will be made.

Applicants are strongly encouraged to act promptly to secure funding, as this program operates on a limited budget and is expected to reach capacity quickly.

Can businesses apply for the rebate before purchasing an electric leaf blower?

No, the Electric Leaf Blower Rebate program is a post-purchase rebate program. Applications must be submitted after the applicant purchases an eligible leaf blower. Submitting an application for the commercial electric leaf blower rebate does not guarantee award.

How will residents receive the rebate (e.g., check, direct deposit)?

If approved, OER will award the appropriate rebate amount directly to the applicant in a single payment, by check, within four to six (4-6) weeks from the date of final approval. Processing times may vary.