Rhode Island Office of Energy Resources Announces Expansion of the Home Electrification and Appliance Rebates Program with Pilot Program Incentives to Support Moderate-Income Households
Published on Monday, May 11, 2026
Rhode Island first state in New England to expand the federal Home Electrification and Appliance Rebates Program to Moderate-Income Households.
Pilot Program launches in 11 municipalities, in advance of statewide moderate-income incentive program expansion.
PROVIDENCE, R.I. – The Rhode Island Office of Energy Resources (OER) today launched the next phase of the Home Electrification and Appliance Rebates (HEAR) Program to support moderate income households with electrification appliance rebates in 11 municipalities. The pilot program will extend the HEAR rebates to moderate-income households for the first time and gives eligible residents a new coupon-based way to purchase ENERGY STAR appliances, complete electrical upgrades, and cap unused gas lines.
The HEAR Moderate-Income Pilot Program will serve residents of Pawtucket, East Providence, Barrington, Warren, Bristol, Little Compton, Tiverton, Portsmouth, Middletown, Newport, and Jamestown. OER intends to expand the HEAR Moderate-Income Program statewide following the pilot program phase later this year. Rhode Island is one of only 12 states in the U.S. with active HEAR Programs.
Under the HEAR Moderate-Income Pilot Program, OER is partnering with East Bay Community Action Program to simplify access to HEAR rebates. Approved Rhode Island household applicants receive a coupon to purchase eligible ENERGY STAR appliances at participating retailers or online. Electrical wiring work, electric panel upgrades, and gas capping are available through the OER HEAR application and completed by OER-approved HEAR program contractors. Residents seeking to participate in the HEAR Retail Pathway Pilot Program must apply and be approved by OER before purchasing an eligible product or scheduling approved work. Purchases or work completed before approval are not eligible for reimbursement.
"This next phase of the program provides a great opportunity for more Rhode Island families to access these energy rebates to upgrade their households with modern, efficient appliances that improve home comfort and reduce energy usage," said Governor Dan McKee.
“I am glad this program, made possible through federal funding from the Inflation Reduction Act, is enabling more Rhode Islanders to make cost-effective home electrification upgrades,” said Senator Jack Reed. “These rebates will lower household energy costs and fight climate change, while bolstering America's energy independence and strengthening U.S. manufacturing,"
“Rhode Island is launching the next phase of the Home Electrification and Appliance Rebates program to give more families the opportunity to save,” said Senator Sheldon Whitehouse. “I hope Rhode Islanders will take full advantage of these rebates – which were funded by Democrats’ Inflation Reduction Act – to purchase and install electric appliances that save them money up front and lower their utility bills for years to come.”
“We need to work aggressively to lower energy costs for Rhode Islanders,” said Congressman Seth Magaziner. “Today’s announcement is a positive step toward bringing down costs and ensuring more people can afford energy-efficient appliances that reduce home energy use and lower electricity costs.”
"Helping working families afford energy-efficient appliances and home electrification is a win for Rhode Island," said Congressman Gabe Amo. "Thank you to the Rhode Island Office of Energy Resources for standing up this program. I’ll keep working with my federal and state colleagues to help Rhode Islanders save money and make their homes more energy efficient."
"We are excited that this next phase of the rebate program expands household electrification measures to moderate-income households for the first time and gives Rhode Islanders a simple way to access energy efficient appliances and electrical upgrades,” said Acting OER Commissioner Chris Kearns. “OER’s partnership with East Bay Community Action Program Agency complements the ongoing Community Action Program Agencies pathway we launched in September 2024 and moves us closer to a statewide moderate-income rebate incentive program later this year."
“We at East Bay Community Action Program are excited about the opportunity to help more individuals and families in the communities we serve,” said East Bay Community Action Program President and CEO Rilwan K. Feyisitan, Jr. “It is our honor to serve as the pilot agency for the state, and we are eager to document and then share our experience to support future program expansion.”
Approved low-income households, defined as at or below 80% of Area Median Income (AMI), are eligible for 100% of the cost covered up to the following caps:
- $1,000 for ENERGY STAR electric cooking appliances
- $1,600 for ENERGY STAR heat pump clothes dryers
- $2,500 for electric wiring work
- $4,000 for electric panel upgrades
Approved moderate-income households, defined as 81% to 150% of AMI, are eligible for 50% of the cost covered up to the following caps:
- $840 for ENERGY STAR electric cooking appliances
- $840 for ENERGY STAR heat pump clothes dryers
- $2,500 for electric wiring work
- $4,000 for electric panel upgrades
Both income tiers are eligible for gas capping support of up to $250 for one eligible appliance or $300 for two eligible appliances capped during the same project.
OER launched the income-eligible pathway of HEAR in September 2024 in partnership with the state’s Community Action Program Agencies. That pathway continues to serve LIHEAP-enrolled households through home energy audits and contractor referrals. The HEAR Moderate-Income Pilot Program announced today complements the income eligible pathway by opening HEAR to moderate-income households for the first time and adding a retail coupon option.
For full HEAR program details, dashboard, eligibility information, and the online application, visit: https://energy.ri.gov/incentives/home-energy-rebate-programs/home-electrification-and-appliance-rebate-hear